How to Pronounce Abdurrahman Wahid

Meaning and Context

Abdurrahman Wahid, universally revered in Indonesia by the affectionate nickname Gus Dur, was a seminal and transformative figure in the nation's modern history, serving as its fourth President from October 1999 until his impeachment in July 2001. A revered Nahdlatul Ulama leader and a progressive Indonesian Muslim scholar, his presidency, though brief, was a critical anchor in Indonesia's turbulent transition to democracy following the fall of the Suharto regime. Gus Dur's tenure was defined by his unwavering advocacy for pluralism, religious tolerance, and human rights, during which he famously lifted the ban on Chinese culture and sought to reconcile with separatist movements. His legacy as a pesantren-educated intellectual, a defender of minority groups, and a pivotal National Awakening Party (PKB) founder continues to profoundly influence Indonesian politics and civil society.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary name, Abdurrahman Wahid, is subject to several common transliterations and abbreviations. The most frequent variation is "Abdurrahman Wahid" itself, though it is sometimes stylized with a hyphen as "Abdur Rahman." A common misspelling occurs with the first name, written erroneously as "Abdurrahman" (with a double 'm') or "Abdurahman" (with a single 'd'). His universally recognized moniker, "Gus Dur," is occasionally misspelled as "Gusdur" (as one word) or, less commonly, "Gus Der." In formal contexts and academic writing, he is often referred to with his presidential title, "President Abdurrahman Wahid," which is sometimes abbreviated incorrectly. Additionally, the name of his mass organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, is frequently misspelled as "Nahdatul Ulama" or "Nahdlatul Ulema."

Example Sentences

Despite facing significant political opposition and health challenges, Abdurrahman Wahid remained a steadfast symbol of interfaith dialogue throughout his presidency.

Many scholars argue that Gus Dur's most enduring contribution was his relentless promotion of Pancasila as a framework for a pluralistic society.

His decision to revoke the discriminatory laws against the Indonesian Chinese community is often cited as a cornerstone of his human rights legacy.

Following his passing in 2009, thousands gathered at his pesantren in Jombang to pay their respects to the beloved former president.

The intellectual and theological works of Gus Dur continue to be essential reading for students of modern Indonesian Islam.

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