KH Abdussalam Shohib, known as Gus Salam, visited Rais Syuriyah PWNU South Kalimantan, KH Muhammad Wildan Salman or Guru Wildan, on April 26, 2026. The visit sought blessings and guidance for his bid to become PBNU General Chairman via the 35th Muktamar. Guru Wildan advised managing Nahdlatul Ulama with pesantren-based scholarship and noble ethics.
Gus Salam described the visit as his standard protocol when entering a new region to build trust with PCNU leaders. "It is always my protocol. When entering a region to garner trust from PCNU chairmen, I first pay respects to the Rais Syuriyah and senior kyai there. And I have paid respects to Guru Wildan," he said in a written statement.
Guru Wildan, known for teaching major Islamic texts, stressed managing NU on pesantren scholarship and strong moral ethics. He urged running the organization with love and mutual affection. Gus Salam received prayers for ease in his aspirations after seeking permission to engage PCNU branches across South Kalimantan.
During the visit, Gus Salam and his entourage joined a kitab study session at Pesantren Raoudlotul Muta’allimin An-Nahdliyyah (RMA) Guntungmanggis in Banjar Baru. Led by KH Muhari or Guru Muha, the session covered Islamic living patterns infused with Sufism and ethics, attended by hundreds of alumni, students, locals, and NU Banjar Baru branch officials.
H Aziz Ja'far of IKAPMAM noted that Kiai Abdussalam often inserts messages to keep students and NU members bound to pesantren elders and NU founders. The kitab's content highlights spiritual understanding in daily worship and endeavors.