Banten Governor hopes NU Congress brings new ideas for Islamic boarding schools

Banten Governor Andra Soni hopes that delegates from the Banten Regional Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU) will bring home new ideas and experiences from the 35th NU Congress to support the development of Islamic boarding schools in the province.

“The Banten Provincial Government hopes that the NU family will continue to be an important part of revitalising religious values. We also hope that the PWNU delegates can bring home new ideas for the development of Islamic boarding schools in Banten,” said Andra while seeing off the PWNU Banten delegates at the Banten Provincial State Building in Serang City on Tuesday.

Andra advised the PWNU Banten delegates to carry the spirit of struggle of Banten’s ulama in strengthening national and religious values within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

According to him, Banten has a historical footprint in NU’s journey, one of which was when the 13th NU Congress was held in Menes, Pandeglang, in 1938.

“The presence of congress participants from PWNU Banten not only carries the name of the organisation, but also carries the scholarly tradition and spirit of the people of Banten,” he said.

Andra assessed that NU has become an important part of the Indonesian nation’s journey by maintaining the tradition of moderate Islam and love for the homeland.

According to him, NU also has a role in developing education and producing the nation’s next generation.

Meanwhile, PWNU Banten Secretary Ahmad Nuri appreciated the attention of the Banten Provincial Government towards the delegates who will attend the 35th NU Congress.

He said NU will continue to be a partner of the regional government in Banten’s development.

“NU has always partnered with the Banten Provincial Government. Whoever is elected at the congress later, that is the result of the decision of the kiai and congress participants. Hopefully it will bring benefit to Banten Province,” he said.

During the send-off, PWNU Banten Tanfidziyah Chairman KH Hafis Gunawan draped a congress sarong around Andra as a symbol of synergy between ulama and umara, or leaders.

The 35th NU Congress is scheduled to take place on 27–31 August 2026 and will be centred at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang Regency, East Java.