Creative Economy Minister sees NU Congress as momentum to accelerate pesantren creative economy
Creative Economy Minister and Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, has said that the momentum of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress represents an effort to strengthen collaboration between the government and elements of society in encouraging the development of the creative economy as a driver of the people’s economy.
Riefky explained the important role of NU as a Muslim organisation that consistently maintains its integrity and commitment to appearing as a key driver of the creative economy, given its very large mass base.
“The theme ‘Upholding Dignity, Enriching Service for the Benefit of the Nation’ is highly relevant to the spirit of the creative economy as a new engine of national economic growth. Upholding dignity means possessing the values, identity and character of the nation, while enriching service means presenting works and creativity that provide tangible benefits to society,” Riefky said in a statement received on Friday.
Riefky also expressed appreciation for NU’s contribution to developing the potential of the creative economy as a force that grows from the community, including through the empowerment of santri, pesantren, community organisations and ecosystems in various regions.
He said the creative economy is not only about generating economic value, but also about transformation and creative innovation that becomes a path towards the benefit of the nation.
He also welcomed the major gathering of NU members, which opened at Untung Suropati Field in Jombang, describing the pesantren area as a form of business incubator, a production centre for the creative economy value chain, and a manifestation of the acceleration of independent, creative santri.
“NU has strong religious cultural roots within society, including the empowerment of santri in pesantren circles who are highly active and creative. This is enormous social and cultural capital to be developed into a creative economic force,” Riefky added.
At the same venue, Chairman of the 35th NU Congress Organising Committee and Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, expressed gratitude for the support of various parties who had ensured physical readiness, logistical readiness, congress governance and human resource readiness.
“We are also holding a Congress Bazaar and Expo running from 20 to 31 August 2026, complete with a cultural stage and night market. Thus, the 35th Congress is not only an organisational forum, but also helps to stimulate the national economy,” said Gus Ipul.
As part of the congress opening, there were marawis art performances and a symphony choir from santri circles (students and university students) performing songs such as Indonesia Raya, Mars Syubbanol Wathon, Shalawat Asyghil, Shalawat Jibril, the NU Congress theme song, and the popular song “Ketika Tangan dan Kaki Berkata”.
The 35th NU Congress, held from 27 to 31 August 2026, also has strategic agenda items such as the election of the Rais Aam and General Chairman of PBNU for the 2026-2031 term of service.
The event was attended by 38 NU regional boards, 523 branch boards, and 33 special branch boards, which sent a total of 2,232 delegates.