35th NU Congress Uses Chip-Based and AI System Developed by Santri
The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, has introduced a breakthrough in participant management. For the first time, the committee has prepared a chip-based and artificial intelligence (AI) system designed and developed by the santri.
The system development was led by Gus Robin. He was assisted by a team of santri involved in the technological preparations for the 35th NU Congress.
Congress Committee Chairman and PBNU Secretary General Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, emphasised the importance of utilising technology. This step is part of the committee’s efforts to make the congress more orderly, accurate and measurable.
The system allows the committee to verify the identity and membership status of every congress participant. In addition, the presence of participants during the congress can be detected, including their location and the forum or session they are attending.
The application of the technology is not limited to the registration process. The system is also designed to support participant governance throughout the entire congress.
“The data is already available, the final voter list has been determined, and the names of board members who are participants are all clearly listed. With this, it is hoped that there will be no infiltrating participants and no substitute participants. Everyone is a participant who truly meets the requirements,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Wednesday (26/8/2026).
According to Gus Ipul, the use of technology makes participant services increasingly precise. During registration, participants will go through a verification process before being directed according to their respective regions and branches.
“God willing, if everyone is disciplined and orderly, there will be no queues. It will be comfortable and precise because everything matches the data,” said Gus Ipul.
Four Pillars of Congress Readiness
In organising the 35th NU Congress, the committee has prepared at least four main aspects.
First, the physical readiness of the congress venue, from the opening arena, session rooms, registration and accommodation to various supporting facilities.
Second, congress logistics, which cover participants’ needs throughout the entire series of activities.
Third, congress governance, including registration, participant allocation, sessions and the arrangement of various activities during the congress.
Fourth, human resources and technology systems, with the support of a chip-based and AI system whose entire development involved santri under the coordination of Gus Robin.
The 35th NU Congress has been prepared through a combination of physical readiness, logistics, governance and technology. This is expected to create an orderly and comfortable event for all participants.
Gus Ipul provided the latest update on the event preparations. He said all the main organising apparatus has now entered the final stage.
“Participant accommodation is ready, session venues are ready, and all the facilities needed for the congress are also ready,” said Gus Ipul.
The 35th Congress is NU’s first congress in its second century. In addition, the event marks the return of the organisation’s highest forum to Jombang, the birthplace of NU’s founders.
“This is the beginning of the second century of Nahdlatul Ulama. The congress returns to the embrace of the muassis, returns to the embrace of the founders of Nahdlatul Ulama,” concluded Gus Ipul.