35th NU Congress Expected to Produce a Unifying Chairman

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to open the PBNU Congress, which will take place at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java, on 27–31 August 2026. The PBNU Congress is expected to produce a Rais Aam and Chairman capable of bringing Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) further forward.

“The 35th PBNU Congress must become a momentum to unite and strengthen the brotherhood of the nahdliyin,” said the Chairman of the National Presidium of Garda Ulama, Munawar Fuad Noeh, in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday (25/8).

Fuad explained that various rumours regarding the contest for the PBNU Chairman position continue to circulate. However, according to him, these dynamics should not diminish the essence of the congress as a forum for discussing the future of NU, especially as the organisation enters its second century.

“The prospective Chairman candidates currently circulating are very representative because they come from various regions. I have been fortunate to have spoken with all of the prospective Chairman candidates,” said Fuad.

Fuad assessed that the large number of prospective Chairman candidates shows that the cadre development process within NU is running well. According to him, these dynamics are part of the democratic process and demonstrate that there are many potential cadres ready to lead the organisation.

Fuad hopes that all the dynamics taking place during the congress can become a momentum for NU members to reconnect with the historical roots and origins of NU, while also building reconciliation after various issues that have affected the organisation.