The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has formally extended an invitation to President Prabowo Subianto to personally inaugurate the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar, scheduled to take place at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, from August 27 to August 31, 2026. This significant event, a quinquennial supreme deliberation forum for the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, is now less than two months away, prompting intensive preparations by the organizing committee. The invitation underscores the profound connection between the nation’s leadership and its most influential religious body, setting the stage for a pivotal gathering that will shape the future direction of NU and potentially influence the broader socio-political landscape of Indonesia.
The Grand Invitation and Preparatory Countdown
Saifullah Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Ipul, who serves as the Secretary-General of PBNU and the Chairman of the Muktamar’s Organizing Committee (OC), confirmed the ongoing and meticulous preparations for the highly anticipated assembly. Speaking from the East Java Regional NU (PWNU) office in Surabaya on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Gus Ipul highlighted the critical countdown. "PBNU continues to make preparations with only about 40 days remaining. We sincerely hope that everything proceeds smoothly and that the event will be officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto. PBNU has formally invited him to open the 35th NU Muktamar in Jombang," Gus Ipul stated, emphasizing the organization’s desire for presidential presence. The invitation to President Subianto is not merely a formality but carries substantial weight, symbolizing the state’s recognition of NU’s immense contributions to national unity, religious moderation, and social development. His presence would also mark one of his first major engagements with a prominent civil society organization since assuming the presidency, signaling the new administration’s commitment to fostering strong ties with religious communities.
The Muktamar, often likened to a national congress, is the highest decision-making body within Nahdlatul Ulama. It serves as a critical platform for evaluating the organization’s past performance, formulating future policies, and electing its central leadership, including the powerful Rais Aam (Supreme Leader) and the Ketua Umum PBNU (General Chairman of the Executive Board). The outcomes of this assembly will have far-reaching implications, not only for NU’s millions of members but also for national discourse on religious affairs, education, social welfare, and even political alignments. The choice of Jombang, a historically significant city in East Java and the birthplace of NU, adds another layer of profound symbolism to the upcoming event. Jombang is home to several influential pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) founded by NU’s patriarchs, including Hadratussyaikh Hasyim Asy’ari, Hadratussyaikh Wahab Chasbullah, and Kyai Bisri Syansuri, making it a spiritual heartland for the organization.
Significance of the Muktamar and Nahdlatul Ulama’s Role
Nahdlatul Ulama, founded in 1926, is an independent traditionalist Sunni Islamic organization dedicated to promoting moderate Islam (Islam Nusantara) and upholding Pancasila, the state ideology of Indonesia. With an estimated membership of over 90 million people, it is arguably the largest Islamic organization globally. Its influence permeates various aspects of Indonesian life, from religious education and social welfare to political advocacy and economic empowerment. The Muktamar, held every five years, is therefore a momentous occasion. It is where critical internal issues are debated, organizational structures are reviewed, and the strategic direction for the next five years is set. This includes resolutions on pressing national and international issues, ranging from poverty alleviation and environmental protection to interfaith dialogue and countering radicalism.
Historically, Muktamars have been crucial junctures for NU. They have often been intense forums for internal democracy, reflecting the diverse views within the sprawling organization. The election of the Rais Aam and Ketua Umum PBNU is a particularly closely watched process, as these leaders will steer NU through a complex and evolving domestic and global landscape. The Rais Aam holds the spiritual and doctrinal authority, guiding NU’s religious stances, while the Ketua Umum is responsible for the day-to-day management and executive functions of the organization. The blend of spiritual guidance and practical leadership is central to NU’s governance model.
Detailed Preparations and Administrative Consolidation
Beyond the high-profile invitation to the President, Gus Ipul elaborated on the extensive organizational efforts underway. A major focus is on ensuring full and legitimate participation from all regional chapters. PBNU is actively consolidating with all Regional NU Boards (PWNU) and Branch NU Boards (PCNU) across Indonesia to ensure that every qualified regional administrator can participate as a full delegate in the Muktamar, exercising their rightful vote and voice. This process involves rigorous administrative checks and documentation.
"To that end, I hope that all PWNU and PCNU chapters that have not yet completed the required letters or documents to obtain a Decree (Surat Keputusan/SK) from PBNU will continue to strive and work hard to utilize the remaining time as effectively as possible," Gus Ipul urged. This highlights the intricate administrative challenges of organizing such a massive event involving thousands of delegates from diverse geographical locations. The validity of these SKs is paramount for accreditation, determining a chapter’s eligibility to send delegates and participate in decision-making processes, including leadership elections.
To streamline this crucial administrative phase and mitigate potential issues, PBNU has implemented specific policies and support mechanisms. Gus Ipul mentioned a special policy for PWNU chapters across the land of Papua, recognizing the unique challenges faced by these geographically distant and often less developed regions. This special consideration aims to ensure their inclusion and active participation, reflecting NU’s commitment to its presence across the entire archipelago. Furthermore, PBNU is providing intensive assistance and mitigation efforts to branches and regions that have yet to complete their required documents. This hands-on approach is designed to overcome administrative hurdles and prevent any chapter from being disenfranchised due to technicalities.
To further ensure the smooth and equitable processing of these crucial documents, PBNU has appointed a dedicated team from its esteemed Syuriah council. This team, led by Professor Mohammad Nuh, a respected figure in Indonesian education and public service, is tasked with finalizing all the SKs for PWNU and PCNU chapters. Professor Nuh’s appointment signals PBNU’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and efficiency in the accreditation process, given his track record of leadership and his deep understanding of NU’s organizational dynamics. "One of the teams appointed by PBNU from the Syuriah ranks to finalize all these PWNU and PCNU SKs is Professor Mohammad Nuh," Gus Ipul confirmed, underscoring the importance of this specialized task force.
Ensuring Broad Representation: Special Policies and Verification
The principle of broad representation is fundamental to NU’s democratic ethos. The Muktamar is not just a meeting of central leaders but a reflection of the aspirations and concerns of its vast grassroots membership. By providing special policies for regions like Papua and offering hands-on assistance to chapters struggling with documentation, PBNU is striving to ensure that the voice of every region, regardless of its geographical or logistical challenges, is heard. This inclusive approach reinforces NU’s identity as a truly national organization, deeply rooted in diverse local communities across Indonesia.
The verification process for delegate credentials and chapter legitimacy is a complex undertaking, requiring careful attention to detail to prevent disputes and ensure the integrity of the proceedings. The involvement of the Syuriah, NU’s highest spiritual council, in overseeing this process through Professor Nuh’s team, adds a layer of moral and religious authority, reinforcing trust in the fairness of the administrative procedures. This meticulous approach to delegate accreditation is a hallmark of NU’s internal democracy, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that the Muktamar’s decisions are truly representative of the collective will of its members.
Combating Misinformation: A Call for Adherence to Official Channels
In an era characterized by the rapid spread of information and misinformation, PBNU is acutely aware of the potential for disruption. Gus Ipul issued a strong appeal to all PWNU and PCNU chapters to access information related to the Muktamar exclusively through official PBNU media and sources. He urged NU members and administrators not to be swayed or misled by unverified reports or "hoaxes" that might circulate, particularly in the run-up to such a significant event.
"Do not be easily deceived, do not easily believe hoax news, news that may not be in accordance with reality. Yes, so our hope is important because out there there is a lot of news that is sometimes misleading, news that sometimes has the nuance of misleading. Well, we hope that this will be ignored and follow all the official processes carried out by PBNU," Gus Ipul advised. This directive is crucial for maintaining order, preventing internal divisions, and ensuring that delegates arrive at the Muktamar with accurate information, ready to engage constructively. The call to rely solely on official PBNU channels is a strategic move to safeguard the integrity of the Muktamar and prevent external or internal elements from exploiting the information landscape for their own agendas.
Broader Implications: Political, Organizational, and Social Resonance
The 35th NU Muktamar holds profound implications across political, organizational, and social spheres.
Political Implications: The invitation to President Prabowo Subianto is a significant political gesture. It signifies NU’s readiness to engage with the new administration and provides an early opportunity for the President to demonstrate his commitment to fostering good relations with Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization. NU’s endorsement or even tacit support can be crucial for any government, given its massive grassroots network and moral authority. The Muktamar’s resolutions, particularly those touching upon national policy, could offer insights into NU’s stance on key government initiatives. Furthermore, the election of new leaders within PBNU could recalibrate the organization’s political posture, influencing its engagement with political parties and its role in national political discourse over the next five years.
Organizational Implications: Internally, the Muktamar will be a moment of introspection and renewal for NU. Delegates will deliberate on critical organizational reforms, educational programs, social welfare initiatives, and economic empowerment strategies. The election of the Rais Aam and Ketua Umum PBNU is the most anticipated outcome. The choices made will determine the leadership style, strategic priorities, and overall direction of NU. Debates are likely to cover issues such as strengthening pesantren education, expanding social services, leveraging digital technology, and enhancing NU’s role in promoting religious moderation in an increasingly complex world. The Muktamar is also a platform for addressing internal challenges, ensuring the organization remains vibrant, relevant, and responsive to the needs of its members and the wider Indonesian society.
Social Implications: As a leading voice of moderate Islam, NU plays a vital role in shaping social norms and promoting religious harmony in Indonesia. The Muktamar’s resolutions on interfaith relations, combating radicalism, promoting tolerance, and strengthening community resilience will have a significant impact on Indonesian society. NU’s extensive network of schools, universities, hospitals, and social foundations means that its policy directives ripple through communities nationwide, influencing millions of lives. The organization’s commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation will also be reaffirmed and potentially expanded through new programs and initiatives.
A Historic Venue: Jombang’s Enduring Legacy
The choice of Jombang as the host city for the 35th Muktamar reinforces the deep historical and spiritual roots of Nahdlatul Ulama. Jombang is often referred to as the "City of Santri" (Islamic students), due to its numerous influential pesantren and its legacy as the cradle of NU’s founders. Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, Tambakberas, itself a venerable institution, carries a rich history of Islamic scholarship and national struggle. Hosting the Muktamar here is a deliberate act that connects the organization’s present and future with its foundational values and traditions. It is a powerful reminder of NU’s enduring commitment to its original mission of upholding traditional Islamic scholarship, fostering national unity, and contributing to the welfare of the Indonesian people. The influx of thousands of delegates and observers will also provide a significant economic boost to Jombang, stimulating local businesses and showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion: Anticipating a Pivotal Assembly
As the countdown to the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar continues, the focus remains firmly on meticulous preparation and ensuring a successful, impactful event. Gus Ipul concluded by extending heartfelt gratitude to PWNU East Java, all PCNU chapters across East Java, and particularly to Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas for their invaluable participation and contributions to the success of the upcoming Muktamar. "We thank PWNU East Java, PCNU across East Java, and Pondok Pesantren Tambakberas for participating, for contributing to the success of the upcoming Muktamar," he affirmed. The formal invitation to President Prabowo Subianto, coupled with the rigorous administrative and logistical arrangements, signals PBNU’s determination to host a Muktamar that is not only a testament to its organizational strength but also a beacon for its future trajectory and continued relevance in shaping Indonesia’s national identity and progress. The gathering in Jombang promises to be a landmark event, charting the course for Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization for the next five years and beyond.
