Jakarta, Indonesia – The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia and indeed the world, has formally extended an invitation to President-elect Prabowo Subianto to officially open its 35th National Congress (Muktamar). This landmark event is scheduled to take place from August 27 to 31, 2026, at the historic Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java. The invitation signifies a crucial moment for both the incoming administration and the venerable religious organization, setting the stage for significant national dialogue and policy shaping. The announcement was made by Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul, who serves as the Secretary-General of PBNU and concurrently chairs the Muktamar’s Organizing Committee (OC). Speaking from the East Java Regional NU (PWNU) office in Surabaya on Tuesday, July 21, 2024, Gus Ipul emphasized that preparations for the grand gathering are already well underway, despite the two-year lead time. "PBNU is continuously carrying out preparations for this Muktamar. We sincerely hope that everything proceeds smoothly and that the event will be directly opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto," Gus Ipul stated. "PBNU has officially invited him to open the 35th NU Muktamar in Jombang." It is important to note a slight discrepancy in the original reporting: while Gus Ipul mentioned "only 40 days left" in his statement, the officially confirmed date for the Muktamar is August 27-31, 2026. This suggests that the "40 days" reference likely pertains to an immediate, crucial preparatory milestone or deadline for the organizing committee, such as delegate registration cut-offs or a significant internal meeting, rather than the commencement of the Muktamar itself. The two-year lead time for the presidential invitation underscores the strategic importance and meticulous planning involved in an event of this magnitude. Chronology of Preparations: A Two-Year Endeavor for a Historic Gathering The journey towards the 35th NU Muktamar is an elaborate process, meticulously planned to ensure broad participation and effective outcomes. The early formal invitation to President-elect Prabowo Subianto highlights the PBNU’s commitment to engaging national leadership in its highest decision-making forum, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between civil society and the state in Indonesia. Early Preparations and the Presidential Invitation The decision to invite the President-elect so far in advance is a testament to the Muktamar’s status as a national event, far transcending mere organizational boundaries. It allows the incoming presidential administration ample time to incorporate the event into its strategic agenda, underscoring the importance of NU’s voice in national discourse. Prabowo Subianto, as he prepares to assume office in October 2024, will undoubtedly view this invitation as an opportunity to foster strong ties with a pivotal segment of Indonesian society, whose influence extends across religious, social, educational, and even political spheres. His presence would not only lend prestige to the Muktamar but also signal his administration’s commitment to engaging with and valuing the contributions of traditional Islamic organizations. Internal Consolidation and Delegate Engagement Beyond the high-profile presidential invitation, a significant portion of the PBNU’s preparatory work revolves around internal consolidation. Gus Ipul elaborated on the ongoing efforts to coordinate with Regional Boards (PWNU) and Branch Boards (PCNU) across Indonesia. The goal is to ensure that all eligible regional NU executives can participate fully as delegates in the Muktamar, exercising their rightful vote and voice in the organization’s future direction. "For this reason, I hope that all PWNU and PCNU that have not yet completed the required letters or documents needed to obtain a Decree (SK) from PBNU will continue to strive and work hard so that the remaining time can be utilized as best as possible," Gus Ipul urged. This emphasis on administrative completeness is critical, as official decrees (Surat Keputusan or SK) are prerequisites for legitimate participation in the congress. Recognizing the logistical challenges faced by certain regions, PBNU has instituted special policies. Gus Ipul revealed that specific provisions are being made for PWNU across the entirety of Papua. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, acknowledging the unique geographical and administrative hurdles that regions like Papua might encounter. Furthermore, PBNU is providing active assistance and mitigation strategies to branches and regions that are still working to complete their documentation for the issuance of SKs. This hands-on approach aims to prevent any legitimate NU entity from being disenfranchised due to administrative technicalities. To streamline and finalize the complex process of issuing these crucial SKs, PBNU has appointed a dedicated team. This team, drawn from the esteemed Syuriah (Advisory Council) ranks of PBNU, is led by Professor Mohammad Nuh. Prof. Nuh, a highly respected figure with a background as a former Minister of National Education, brings considerable administrative acumen and leadership to this vital task, ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of the delegate selection process. Supporting Data: The Deep Roots and Broad Reach of Nahdlatul Ulama The 35th NU Muktamar is not just another organizational meeting; it is a profound cultural, religious, and political event deeply embedded in the fabric of Indonesian society. Its significance is magnified by its host city and the enduring legacy of Nahdlatul Ulama itself. Jombang: The Cradle of NU The selection of Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, as the venue is deeply symbolic and historically resonant. Jombang is widely regarded as the "Cradle of NU" due to its pivotal role in the organization’s founding and the presence of numerous influential pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) that produced many of NU’s foundational leaders. Tambakberas itself is home to one of the oldest and most respected pesantren, steeped in tradition and scholarship. Founders of NU, such as Hasyim Asy’ari and Wahab Hasbullah, hailed from or had deep connections to Jombang. Hosting the Muktamar here reconnects the organization to its spiritual and intellectual roots, emphasizing its commitment to traditional Islamic scholarship (Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah) while also addressing contemporary challenges. This historical linkage imbues the congress with an added layer of spiritual authority and communal significance, reminding delegates and the wider public of NU’s foundational principles. The Muktamar’s Enduring Significance The Muktamar serves as the highest decision-making body of Nahdlatul Ulama, typically held every five years. It is a forum where the organization evaluates its past performance, formulates future policies, elects its central leadership (Rais Aam and Ketua Umum PBNU), and issues recommendations on national and international issues. With millions of members across Indonesia and beyond, NU’s resolutions often carry substantial weight, influencing public opinion, government policies, and the broader trajectory of moderate Islam in the country. Past Muktamars have been instrumental in shaping NU’s stance on critical issues ranging from Pancasila as the state ideology to environmental concerns and interfaith dialogue. The 35th Muktamar will undoubtedly tackle contemporary challenges, including economic disparities, technological disruption, radicalism, and maintaining social harmony in a diverse nation. The scale of the event, bringing together thousands of delegates from diverse backgrounds, reflects the democratic spirit and vast reach of NU. Prabowo Subianto’s Strategic Engagement For President-elect Prabowo Subianto, opening the NU Muktamar presents a significant opportunity to solidify his relationship with a critical demographic. NU’s electoral influence is undeniable, with its vast network of pesantren, mosques, and social organizations mobilizing millions of voters. Engaging with NU leadership and members early in his presidency can foster goodwill and secure a crucial base of support for his administration’s policies and programs. Historically, Indonesian political leaders have sought to cultivate strong ties with NU. Prabowo’s participation would align him with this tradition, signaling respect for traditional Islamic institutions and their role in nation-building. It would also be a platform for him to articulate his vision for Indonesia, potentially emphasizing areas where his agenda aligns with NU’s values, such as social welfare, education, and promoting religious moderation. The presence of the President-elect underscores the Muktamar’s status as a nationally consequential event, transcending purely religious or organizational interests to touch upon broader governance and societal well-being. Official Responses and Directives from PBNU Leadership The PBNU leadership, through Gus Ipul, has been proactive in communicating the organization’s vision for the 35th Muktamar, emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and vigilance against misinformation. Gus Ipul on Preparations and Inclusivity Gus Ipul’s statements reveal a leadership committed to ensuring a robust and representative congress. His call for PWNU and PCNU to complete their administrative requirements underscores the importance of adherence to organizational procedures, ensuring that all participants are legitimate representatives of their respective regions. The special policy for Papua and the assistance provided to other struggling regions highlight PBNU’s dedication to geographic equity and its understanding of the diverse capacities within its vast network. This approach is vital for fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that the voices from all corners of Indonesia are heard in the Muktamar’s deliberations. His mention of Prof. Mohammad Nuh leading the Syuriah team for SK finalization is a strategic move, leveraging Nuh’s reputation for integrity and efficiency to manage a potentially complex and sensitive process. This ensures that the foundation of the Muktamar – its delegates – is built on a solid, verifiable basis. Combating Disinformation: A Call for Vigilance In an era saturated with digital information, the PBNU leadership is acutely aware of the potential for misinformation to sow discord and undermine the integrity of such a significant event. Gus Ipul issued a stern warning to all NU members and the public: "Do not be easily deceived, do not easily believe hoax news, news that may not be in accordance with reality. We hope this is important because out there are many news items that are sometimes misleading, news that sometimes has the nuance to mislead. So, we hope that these will be ignored, and follow all official processes carried out by PBNU," he cautioned. This directive is crucial, especially in the context of major organizational or political events in Indonesia, which can often become targets for disinformation campaigns. PBNU’s emphasis on accessing information only through official channels is a proactive measure to protect its members from manipulation and ensure that the narrative surrounding the Muktamar remains accurate and constructive. It reflects a broader concern within NU to uphold truth and intellectual honesty, countering the corrosive effects of fake news on social cohesion and informed decision-making. Acknowledging Local Contributions Finally, Gus Ipul extended heartfelt gratitude to the local entities playing a crucial role in hosting the Muktamar. "We thank PWNU East Java, all PCNU throughout East Java, and Pondok Pesantren Tambakberas for participating, for contributing to the success of the upcoming Muktamar," he expressed. This acknowledgement is not merely a formality but a recognition of the immense effort, resources, and hospitality required from the host region and institution. The success of a Muktamar relies heavily on seamless logistical support, cultural understanding, and a welcoming environment, all of which are generously provided by the local NU branches and the Tambakberas pesantren. Implications of the 35th NU Muktamar The 35th NU Muktamar carries profound implications across political, religious, social, and organizational dimensions, shaping the trajectory of Indonesia in the coming years. Political Landscape and Presidential Mandate President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s opening of the Muktamar would be a powerful symbolic gesture. It would mark one of his earliest significant engagements as President with a major civil society organization, signaling his administration’s approach to religious plurality and the role of Islamic institutions in national life. His remarks could set a tone for cooperation, address pressing national issues from an Islamic perspective, and potentially outline areas where NU’s extensive network can contribute to government programs. This interaction could strengthen the ties between the state and a significant traditional Islamic pillar, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration crucial for stable governance. It could also be interpreted as Prabowo seeking to consolidate his mandate by aligning with the broadly accepted moderate Islamic values championed by NU. Shaping Religious and Social Discourse At its core, the Muktamar is a forum for NU to reaffirm its commitment to moderate Islam, known as Islam Nusantara (Islam of the Archipelago), which emphasizes tolerance, local wisdom, and peace. The resolutions and recommendations emerging from the congress will influence religious discourse, potentially offering guidance on issues such as religious extremism, interfaith harmony, social justice, and environmental stewardship. NU’s pronouncements often serve as a moral compass for a significant portion of the Indonesian population, providing a counter-narrative to radical ideologies and promoting a vision of Islam that is inclusive and adaptable to modern challenges. The discussions in Jombang will thus play a vital role in shaping the social fabric and promoting national unity. Strengthening NU’s Organizational Fabric Internally, the Muktamar is crucial for strengthening NU’s organizational structure and ensuring its continued relevance. The election of new central leadership will determine the strategic direction of the organization for the next five years. The discussions on delegate participation, particularly the special policies for regions like Papua, underscore NU’s commitment to internal democracy and broad representation. By addressing administrative challenges and fostering inclusivity, PBNU aims to maintain a strong, unified, and effective organization capable of addressing the complex needs of its members and the wider Indonesian society. The ability to manage such a massive and diverse organization through democratic processes is a testament to NU’s institutional maturity and its enduring legacy. In conclusion, the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar in Jombang is poised to be a pivotal event for Indonesia. With President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s anticipated presence, rigorous preparations underway, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and combating disinformation, the congress will not only chart NU’s future but also significantly influence the political, religious, and social landscape of the entire nation for years to come. Post navigation A Resounding Reversal: Indonesia’s Customs Agency Secures Future Amidst Sweeping Reforms
