Ahead of the Congress, Gus Ipul Discusses Criteria for Suitable PBNU General Chairman

JAKARTA - Nahdlatul Ulama’s General Secretary, Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul, has spoken about the criteria suitable for the next PBNU General Chairman ahead of the 35th Congress scheduled for August 2026. He stated that the criteria for the general chairman are based on the figure of the charismatic kiai Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur, who also once led PBNU. “If looking for a model, it’s the Gus Dur model. It’s difficult, but it doesn’t have to be exactly like Gus Dur,” he said during the Gaspol Kompas.com event, broadcast on Thursday (7/5/2026). He added that Gus Dur’s leadership style has been attempted to be continued over time by subsequent PBNU General Chairmen. “It can’t be perfect, but the effort is actually there,” Gus Ipul continued. Gus Ipul said he believes a leadership figure will emerge in the upcoming Congress. “I don’t dare to mention names yet, but InsyaAllah NU has many cadres capable of leading forward as a historical mandate to continue previous leaderships,” said Gus Ipul. However, Gus Ipul emphasised that he will not run because he feels he does not meet the requirements as General Chairman. “There is encouragement, but I won’t. I have decided not to run and feel I don’t meet the requirements. There are many others. I think there are many others who are more qualified, and I will continue to help,” he stated. According to him, in PBNU, the most important thing is to seek blessings in serving the ummah.