Leading candidate for Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s (NU) Central Executive Board, KH Abdussalam Shohib – widely known as Gus Salam – has begun a series of meetings with regional NU leaders in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). The outreach efforts targeted both the provincial (PWNU) and regency/city (PCNU) branches of the organization. This move precedes the 35th Muktamar, NU’s national congress, where a new chairman will be elected. Gus Salam’s meetings aim to garner support from key regional stakeholders before the congress. The silaturahmi, or friendly visits, are a common practice in Indonesian political and religious circles to build consensus and demonstrate strength. The outcome of the Muktamar will significantly shape the direction of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization.