Indonesian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
Vol 7 No 3 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, September

Managing Grassroots Change Through Program Innovation: The Case of the Nahdlatul Ulama Pandantoyo Nganjuk Regency

Mohammad Arif (UIN Syekh Wasil Kediri)
Yuli Darwati (UIN Syekh Wasil Kediri)
Nur Fadilah Utami (UIN Syekh Wasil Kediri)
M Thoriqul Huda (UIN Syekh Wasil Kediri)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Sep 2026

Abstract

As a religious organization approaching its centennial, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) must strengthen its programs at the grassroots level, specifically the Ranting level. This study examines the work program innovations of the Nahdlatul Ulama Local Branch Board (PRNU) in Pandantoyo, Kertosono District, Nganjuk Regency, focusing on two flagship initiatives: the Waste Bank Movement led by Fatayat NU and the NU Banana Planting Movement (PISNU). Unlike previous studies on NU innovation which typically focus on formal institutional levels at the national or Branc scale, such as economic institution product innovations, the digitalization of NU Online, or administrative registration systems (SiregalNU) this research highlights innovation at the *Ranting* level, where resource constraints are significantly greater. The study uses a qualitative, naturalistic approach, drawing on interviews, field observations, and documentation; data analysis follows the Miles and Huberman interactive model, comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The study uses a governance theory framework to analyze decision-making processes, participation, and accountability in managing these two programs. The results indicate that both programs transform the religious organization from a purely spiritual entity into an agent of socio-economic and environmental development rooted in social capital and local potential. However, both programs face distinct implementation challenges: low participation rates in the waste bank initiative and potential conflicts of interest within PISNU. These findings underscore that social capital and religious zeal alone cannot ensure program sustainability; formal, transparent, and accountable governance structures are essential for community-based innovations to endure beyond the initial phase of enthusiasm

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJHSS

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Indonesian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences The Indonesian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences is open access and peer-reviewed journal. The journal is a peer-reviewed, international, and interdisciplinary journal publishing research articles and significant contributions to social ...