Career
Apart from being a politician, he was active in religious activities, and he served as Ra"is Tanfidziyah (Chairman of the Executive Committee) of Nahdlatul Ulama in 1956–1984. Since acting from teenagers, Idham career at NU continues to climb. When NU still join the Masjumi (1950), he became the chairman of the Star Crescent Party South Kalimantan.
Two years later, was elected chairman Idham Maarif NU Institute of Education (1952–1956).
Later, he was chosen to be the number one NU in 1956. In fact, is the longest Idham became chairman of NU. lieutenant can be said, for nearly 30 years as the number one NU, Idham has experienced many ups and downs.
In the executive branch, he was a minister several times, both as past Old Order and New Order. Much earlier, during the Cabinet Sastroamidjojo II, he also served as deputy Prime Minister. And government positions, he has also a duty as Chairman Doctor of Public Administration.
Idham was named a of Indonesia, along with six other figures, based on 113/TK/Tahun Presidential Decree Number.
2011 dated 7 November 2011.