Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah, a prominent leader in Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama organization and a dedicated advocate for women and children, died Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Jakarta. Her passing marks a significant loss for the organization and those who worked alongside her.
Maimunah passed away at Fatmawati Hospital at 8:25 a.m. Local time, according to her husband, KH Abdullah Masud, who also serves as Chairman of the Tangerang Selatan branch of Nahdlatul Ulama.
She had been receiving medical care since February 15, 2026, after attending an annual meeting of Yasmin. Even even as unwell, Maimunah continued to represent her commitment to the Fatayat NU, wearing the organization’s uniform, and was transferred to Fatmawati Hospital on February 17, 2026.
Colleagues and friends remember Maimunah as a tireless worker for the Nahdlatul Ulama, consistently focused on empowering women and advocating for social causes.
Alissa Wahid, who shares familial ties with Maimunah through their shared pesantren and Nahdlatul Ulama heritage, described her dedication to the organization. Maimunah was the daughter of Hj Lilik Chodijah binti KH Aziz Bisri bin KH Bisri Syansuri, while Wahid is the daughter of KH Abdurrahman Wahid, son of Nyai Hj Solichah binti KH Bisri Syansuri, making Maimunah Wahid’s niece.
Wahid emphasized that Maimunah’s involvement with Nahdlatul Ulama was a lifelong journey, beginning with her participation in youth organizations. “Mbak Margaret was one of the most active members of the Denanyar Pondok Pesantren family in NU from a young age,” Wahid said. “She grew through a long process of cadre building, starting from IPPNU and eventually becoming Chairwoman of Fatayat NU.”
Wahid added that Maimunah exemplified the qualities of an active, accomplished, and dedicated Nahdliyah. “If you’re looking for an example of a Nahdliyah who is active, accomplished, and truly dedicated to the community, Mbak Margaret is one of them,” she stated.
Maimunah devoted nearly all of her time to service, frequently attending cadre-building forums at the regional level, ensuring the effectiveness of leadership development programs, and building networks for Fatayat NU internationally.
“Margaret truly dedicated all her time to service. Almost all of her time was filled with Fatayat activities, cadre consolidation, and organizational work,” Wahid explained.
In addition to leading Fatayat NU from 2022-2027, Maimunah also served as Chairwoman of the Indonesian Commission for Child Protection (KPAI). She consistently voiced the importance of child protection and strengthening the role of families in education and upbringing in public forums.
Wahid, a family psychologist and leader of the Gusdurian Network promoting humanitarian values, shared a similar commitment to service within the Nahdlatul Ulama tradition.
While Maimunah is gone, her legacy of dedication, cadre building, and advocacy for women and children will continue to inspire future generations within Nahdlatul Ulama.
