Nahdlatul Ulama Extends Official Invitation to President Prabowo Subianto for 35th Congress in Jombang in August 2026

The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, has formally invited President Prabowo Subianto to officiate the opening of its 35th Muktamar (Congress), scheduled to take place at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, from August 27 to 31, 2026. This significant announcement underscores the close relationship between the state leadership and a pivotal civil society organization, signaling a continued commitment to national unity and religious harmony under the new administration. The Muktamar, a quinquennial event, stands as the highest decision-making forum within NU, where critical policies are formulated, leadership is elected, and the organization’s strategic direction for the next five years is charted.

Setting the Stage: The Official Invitation and Preparations

The official invitation was confirmed by Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul, who serves as the Secretary-General of PBNU and concurrently chairs the Muktamar NU Organizing Committee (OC). Speaking from the East Java Regional Board of NU (PWNU) office in Surabaya on Tuesday, July 21, Gus Ipul emphasized the intensive preparations already underway for the monumental event. "PBNU is continuously undertaking preparations, with an intense focus in the coming period. We hope everything proceeds smoothly and that the event will be directly opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Bapak Prabowo Subianto. PBNU has officially extended an invitation for him to inaugurate the 35th NU Muktamar in Jombang," Gus Ipul stated. His remarks, while seemingly referencing an immediate timeframe with "40 days left," are understood to signify a critical phase of organizational consolidation and logistical planning in the lead-up to the 2026 congress, rather than the congress itself being imminent. The choice of Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum in Tambakberas, Jombang, is particularly symbolic, as Jombang is often dubbed the "City of Santri" (religious students) and holds profound historical significance as the birthplace of Nahdlatul Ulama’s founders.

The Significance of the Muktamar for Nahdlatul Ulama

The Muktamar represents the pinnacle of democratic processes within Nahdlatul Ulama, an organization established in 1926. It is a gathering of thousands of delegates, including the PBNU executive, members of the Syuriah (supreme religious council) and Tanfidziyah (executive board) at all levels, as well as representatives from regional and branch boards across Indonesia and even abroad. Beyond electing the Rois Aam (Supreme Leader) and the Ketum PBNU (General Chairman), the Muktamar serves as a crucial platform for:

• Policy Formulation: Deliberating and issuing decrees (bahtsul masail) on contemporary religious, social, and national issues, guided by Islamic jurisprudence and the principles of Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah.
• Organizational Direction: Setting the strategic agenda for the next five years, encompassing education, economic empowerment, health, interfaith dialogue, and community development programs.
• Internal Consolidation: Strengthening the organizational structure, resolving internal matters, and ensuring the continued relevance and effectiveness of NU in a rapidly changing world.
• Spiritual Renewal: A moment for collective reflection, spiritual enrichment, and reaffirmation of NU’s foundational values, including nationalism, tolerance, and moderation (Islam Nusantara).

Historically, each Muktamar has been a watershed moment. The 34th Muktamar, held in Lampung in December 2021, notably saw the election of KH Miftachul Akhyar as Rois Aam and KH Yahya Cholil Staquf as General Chairman, signaling a dynamic new phase for the organization. The upcoming 35th Muktamar will build upon these foundations, addressing new challenges and opportunities facing Indonesian society and the global Muslim community.

Ensuring Broad Participation and Administrative Clarity

A key focus for the PBNU Organizing Committee, as articulated by Gus Ipul, is to ensure the broadest possible participation of its regional and branch boards across Indonesia. Nahdlatul Ulama boasts an estimated membership of over 90 million people, organized into 34 Provincial Boards (PWNU) and hundreds, if not thousands, of Branch Boards (PCNU) at the regency/city level, along with sub-branch and village-level structures.
"PBNU is continuously consolidating with all Regional NU Boards (PWNU) and Branch NU Boards (PCNU) throughout Indonesia to ensure that all regional NU administrators can become full participants in the Muktamar, in accordance with their rights," Gus Ipul stated.

This extensive network necessitates meticulous administrative preparation. Gus Ipul urged all PWNU and PCNU that have not yet completed the required documents or official letters to diligently pursue their completion. These documents are essential for obtaining the official Decree (Surat Keputusan/SK) from PBNU, which formally recognizes their status and grants them full participatory rights in the Muktamar. "Therefore, I hope all PW and PC boards that have not yet completed the necessary letters or documents to obtain a Decree from PBNU will continue to strive and work hard to utilize the remaining time as effectively as possible," he emphasized.

Recognizing potential disparities in administrative capacity, PBNU has also implemented special policies. Gus Ipul highlighted a particular provision for PWNU across the Papuan provinces, acknowledging the unique geographical and logistical challenges faced by these regions. Furthermore, PBNU is committed to providing comprehensive assistance and mitigation support to branches and regions that are still in the process of completing their documentation to secure their SK. This proactive approach aims to ensure inclusivity and prevent any legitimate NU entity from being disenfranchised due to administrative hurdles. To streamline and finalize these critical administrative processes, PBNU has appointed a dedicated team from its Syuriah council, led by the esteemed Prof. Mohammad Nuh. This team is tasked with overseeing the completion of all PWNU and PCNU Decrees, underscoring the organization’s commitment to procedural integrity and full representation.

The Enduring Role of Nahdlatul Ulama in Indonesia

Nahdlatul Ulama’s invitation to President Prabowo Subianto to open its 35th Muktamar is not merely a ceremonial gesture but a profound affirmation of NU’s enduring role in Indonesia’s national life. Founded by influential ulama (Islamic scholars) like Hasyim Asy’ari and Wahab Chasbullah, NU has historically been a bulwark of moderate Islam (Islam Nusantara), advocating for a pluralistic and harmonious Indonesian society. Its core tenets emphasize adherence to classical Islamic scholarship while embracing local culture and promoting national unity.

• Political Influence: While officially a non-political organization, NU’s vast membership and moral authority give it significant political weight. Its leaders and prominent members often play crucial roles in government, civil society, and various political parties, shaping public discourse and policy.
• Educational Network: NU operates a vast network of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), universities, and madrasahs across the archipelago, educating millions of young Indonesians and instilling values of religious moderation, patriotism, and social responsibility.
• Social and Economic Empowerment: Through various initiatives, NU actively engages in social welfare programs, economic empowerment, and community development, particularly in rural areas, striving to improve the livelihoods of its members and the wider community.
• Promoter of Interfaith Dialogue: NU has consistently championed interfaith dialogue and cooperation, positioning itself as a key player in promoting religious tolerance and understanding in Indonesia and beyond.

A presidential opening for the Muktamar signifies the government’s recognition of NU’s indispensable contributions to national development, social cohesion, and the propagation of moderate Islamic values. For President Prabowo, it presents an opportunity to further solidify his relationship with a crucial demographic and reinforce his administration’s commitment to engaging with all segments of Indonesian society.

Safeguarding Information and Unity in the Digital Age

In an era characterized by the rapid spread of information, both accurate and misleading, Gus Ipul took the opportunity to issue a crucial appeal to all NU members and administrators. He strongly advised them to rely solely on official PBNU media and authorized sources for all information pertaining to the Muktamar. This directive is a proactive measure to counter the potential for misinformation and hoaxes that could disrupt the preparations and the congress itself.
"Do not be easily deceived, do not easily believe in hoaxes, news that may not be in accordance with reality. We emphasize this because there is a lot of misleading news out there, news that sometimes aims to deceive. We hope this is ignored, and that everyone follows all official processes conducted by PBNU," Gus Ipul urged. This emphasis on official communication channels underscores the PBNU’s commitment to transparency and maintaining internal unity, crucial for an organization of its scale and influence, especially during a significant event like the Muktamar.

Logistics, Local Contributions, and Anticipated Agenda

The successful execution of a Muktamar of this magnitude requires immense logistical planning and the dedicated support of local communities. Gus Ipul extended heartfelt gratitude to the East Java PWNU, all PCNU across East Java, and particularly to Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas for their invaluable participation and contributions. Hosting thousands of delegates, ensuring accommodation, catering, security, and a conducive environment for deliberations is a massive undertaking that relies heavily on the local organizational committees and the hospitality of the host pesantren. Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, with its rich history and tradition, is well-equipped to provide the spiritual and logistical backbone for such an assembly.

While the specific agenda for the 35th Muktamar will be finalized closer to the date, it is anticipated to cover a wide array of critical issues reflecting both internal organizational matters and broader national and global concerns. These could include:

• Economic Empowerment: Discussions on strategies to strengthen NU’s cooperative network, develop halal industries, and promote economic independence for its members.
• Education Reform: Reviewing and enhancing NU’s extensive educational system to meet modern challenges while preserving traditional Islamic values.
• Environmental Sustainability: Formulating NU’s stance and programs related to climate change, resource management, and ecological responsibility, in line with Islamic teachings.
• Youth Engagement: Strategies to attract and empower younger generations within NU, ensuring its continuity and relevance.
• Digital Transformation: Exploring how NU can leverage technology for da’wah (preaching), education, and organizational management.
• Global Islamic Discourse: NU’s role in promoting moderate Islam on the international stage and contributing to solutions for global peace and justice.

The congress will also undoubtedly feature spirited debates and ultimately, the election of the Rois Aam and Ketum PBNU, who will lead the organization through 2031. These leadership choices are closely watched, not just within NU but across Indonesian political and social landscapes, given the organization’s profound impact.

Future Outlook and Implications

The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar in Jombang in August 2026 is poised to be a defining moment for the organization and, by extension, for Indonesia. As the nation navigates complex socio-economic and political landscapes, NU’s guidance and its commitment to fostering a tolerant and progressive Islamic society remain crucial. The meticulous preparations, the emphasis on broad participation, and the formal invitation to President Prabowo Subianto all underscore the strategic importance of this upcoming event. It symbolizes a renewed commitment to the principles of moderate Islam, national unity, and inclusive governance, setting the stage for Nahdlatul Ulama to continue its pivotal role in shaping Indonesia’s future for decades to come. The outcomes of this Muktamar will resonate far beyond its confines, influencing religious life, social policies, and the political trajectory of one of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nations.