Coal mining concession sparks rift in Indonesia’s largest Islamic group Nahdlatul Ulama

Nahdlatul Ulama boasts an estimated 80 million members, making it the largest Islamic organisation in Indonesia. - ST/ WAHYUDI SOERIAATMADJA

JAKARTA: The Indonesian government’s controversial decision to award coal mining concessions to religious groups in 2024 has splintered the leadership of the country’s largest Islamic organisation.

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is embroiled in bickering as several of its leaders and factions vie for control over the highly lucrative venture, prompting many of its grassroots members to call for the return of the mining rights to the government.