East Java Education Agency Prepares Schools as Transit Points for NU Congress
The East Java Education Agency (Dindik Jatim) is preparing state senior high schools (SMA) and vocational high schools (SMK) as transit points for participants of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, which will take place on 27–31 August 2026.
“This step is a form of support from Dindik Jatim to help meet participants’ needs, especially amid limited accommodation in Jombang Regency,” said Head of Dindik Jatim Aries Agung Paewai in Surabaya on Tuesday (25/8).
All state SMA and SMK in East Java are providing support by preparing school facilities that can be used as transit points for congress participants.
“We support transit points in schools for congress participants who need rest and prayer, and perhaps they will shower and freshen up,” said Aries.
Aries explained that the facilities prepared are not limited to classrooms. School mosques, bathrooms, and toilets can also be used by congress participants who need a place to rest, worship, or freshen up during their journey.
“Our schools are open to all congress participants, both the classrooms we have prepared as well as mosques, bathrooms, and toilets,” he said.
The support is also adjusted to the implementation of learning in schools. On 26, 27 and 28 August, all schools located in urban sub-districts such as SMAN 1 Jombang, SMAN 2 Jombang, SMAN 3 Jombang, SMKN 1 Jombang, SMKN 2 Jombang, SMKN 3 Jombang and SLBN Jombang, as well as schools in Tembelang Sub-district, will conduct online learning. Meanwhile, schools outside those sub-districts will conduct learning as usual.
Thus, classrooms that are not used for learning activities can be utilised as transit points for congress participants. In addition to classrooms, vacant school mosques can also be used for rest and prayer.
“All state SMA and SMK are providing support by offering space in schools for rest for congress participants who need transit points,” Aries stressed.
In addition to providing transit points, a number of schools are also preparing light snacks for groups of participants who stop by before continuing their journey to the congress venue.
“In fact, several schools are preparing snacks and light refreshments for groups transiting at schools close to the activity site,” he said.
According to Aries, the involvement of educational units in welcoming the 35th NU Congress is not merely about facility support. The moment can also serve as a social learning experience for students.
The presence of participants from various regions gives students the opportunity to see first-hand the spirit of togetherness, mutual cooperation, tolerance, and respect for diversity in the implementation of a major agenda of a mass organisation.
“We hope that students can also gain experience and learning from this NU Congress moment. They can see how people from various regions come, gather, and together make a major agenda a success,” said Aries.