Gus Dur’s Enduring Legacy: Accruing Religious Merit in the Afterlife

Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), Indonesia’s fourth president (1999-2001) and head of the traditionalist Islamic organisation Nahdlatul Ulama (1984-1999), confronted many of the same political and social challenges that exist today in Indonesia, including religious intolerance, regional tensions, and surviving New Order elements. The muted responses from politicians and Islamic leaders in defence of those persecuted, like Ahmadiyah or former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) who was convicted of blasphemy, or the public naming and shaming of politicians or the military for improper behaviour, highlights the fact that no one has replaced Gus Dur. His legacy continues through the Wahid Foundation, which is dedicated to improving Islam and Indonesian society through documenting religious intolerance and injustice, and by issuing recommendations. Gus Dur’s statements when he was alive, and more recent comments from his daughter, Yenny Wahid, provide us with a reasonable understanding of his view for a modern, civil Indonesia. Gur Dur’s political party, the National Awakening Party, remains another institution which supports pluralism and secular-inclusiveness. Despite his passing in 2009, Gus Dur produced an enduring legacy. Deference to the late Gus Dur is reminiscent of the nine saints (wali songo) who Islamised Java half a millennia ago. He should be understood in the way that traditionalist Muslims believe that one’s deeds which produce on-going benefits to society will, in the afterlife (akhirat), continue to accrue religious merit (pahala).