Apologising for Not Running for PBNU Chairman, Nasaruddin Umar: Better to Concentrate on Religious Affairs Ministry

Religious Affairs Minister Professor KH Nasaruddin Umar will continue to focus on carrying out his duties as an aide to President Prabowo Subianto in the Red and White Cabinet. The minister affirmed that he is not participating in the contest for the chairmanship of PBNU at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress and will concentrate on his duties as the head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

“In connection with the ongoing NU congress, because I am fully aware that my duties as Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia are so heavy and so broad that we must complete them, the best thing for me and also for the future development of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, or also including NU, is that I concentrate on the Ministry of Religious Affairs, without having to abandon my concern for Nahdlatul Ulama,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar in a statement in Jakarta on Friday (28/8/2026).

According to Nasaruddin, the duties of religious affairs minister are very heavy and broad, requiring concentration in order to do the best for the ministry. He acknowledged that many colleagues and friends had given him support to run in the PBNU chairman election. For that reason, the minister apologised for continuing to focus on assisting President Prabowo in fostering religious life and harmony among religious communities.

“Therefore, I apologise to friends from various regions who may have imagined me leading PBNU,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar.

“Hopefully this congress will run more smoothly and produce better congress outcomes for the nation, especially for Nahdliyin,” he said.