Mahbub Djunaidi, NU Intellectual who Maintains Islamic Moderation through Journalism

In the history of Islamic thought and the world of the Indonesian press, there are figures whose roles may not always be prominent in the public sphere, but have had an important influence through their ideas and writings. They walk consistently through words, writing, and attitudes, not through positions and spotlights. H. Mahbub Djunaidi is one of the figures who took this path.

H. Mahbub Djunaidi was born in Jakarta on July 27 1933 in Jakarta. He grew up in a family environment that was close to Islamic traditions. Since he was young, Mahbub has shown great interest in the world of literacy. This habit shaped his intellectual character and brought him into the world of journalism and religious organizations.

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The work of this first child of 13 siblings cannot be separated from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). He is part of a generation of NU intellectuals who are trying to strengthen the role of this organization not only as a religious movement, but also as a social and cultural force. Within NU, Mahbub is known as a rational and critical thinker. He encourages open, dialogical and responsible thinking in facing changing times, without abandoning the roots of the moderate Islamic tradition.

One of Mahbub Djunaidi’s fundamental thoughts lies in his view of the relationship between Islam and nationality. He lived at a time when the debate regarding the relationship between religion and the state was still very strong. The big question that often arises is whether Islam should be used as the basis of the state or whether it is sufficient to play a role as moral ethics in the life of the nation and state. In this case, Mahbub emphasized a clear attitude that Islam and nationalism are not two things that conflict with each other, but rather strengthen each other.

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This view is in line with the current of thought of NU figures such as KH Wahid Hasyim to KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, who emphasize the importance of accepting Pancasila as a national consensus. For Mahbub, acceptance of Pancasila does not mean reducing Islamic values, but instead becomes a way for Muslims to contribute significantly to the life of a pluralistic nation. This attitude shows maturity of thought and strong national commitment, while also reflecting the inclusive character of Indonesian Islam.

In the NU structure, Mahbub Djunaidi’s role is more prominent through thought and press channels than through organizational structural channels. He is not known as a job hunter, but as a writer and contributor of ideas. Through writing and discussions, he conveys NU’s views on Islam, nationality and democracy in clear and easy to understand language.

In the field of journalism, Mahbub Djunaidi is known as a journalist and essayist who has a distinctive style. He once served as editor-in-chief of the daily ‘Community Ambassador’, a newspaper which is one of NU’s main media. Under his leadership, ‘Community Ambassadors’ not only functioned as a mouthpiece for the organization, but also as a space for thought and social criticism. Mahbub places the press as a means of public education and moral control of power.

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Apart from NU media, Mahbub Djunaidi also writes in various national media. His writings discuss issues of religion, politics, culture and social life. He is known to be able to convey sharp criticism while still paying attention to writing ethics. Humor and irony are often present in his writing, making heavy ideas feel lighter and more communicative without reducing the depth of their meaning. This makes it easier for readers to understand the meaning of the writing.

As a writer, Mahbub Djunaidi is better known for his reflective essays rather than works of fiction. However, his writings show sensitivity to language and the power of good argumentation. He combines Islamic thought, social experience and national consciousness in one complete framework of thought. Writing, for Mahbub, is not just an intellectual activity, but a form of moral responsibility towards society.

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Independent attitude is an important characteristic of Mahbub Djunaidi. He does not hesitate to criticize the authorities when he sees injustice, but is also critical of opposition groups and his own internal environment. He rejects narrow fanaticism and prefers the path of moderation that is based on common sense, human values ​​and the interests of the nation.

H. Mahbub Djunaidi died on October 1 1995 at his residence, Jalan Taman Karawitan, Bandung. However, his thoughts and example remain relevant today. He is remembered as a NU figure who consistently fought for freedom of thought, journalistic integrity, and harmonious relations between Islam and nationality. Through his writings and attitude to life, Mahbub Djunaidi left an important legacy for the development of moderate Islamic thought and Indonesian intellectual life.

Writer: Helfi Livia
Editor: Rara Zarary