East Java, NTB, and West Sumatra Bid to Host the 35th PBNU Congress

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Chairman of the 35th PBNU Congress Organising Committee, Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul, revealed that East Java, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and West Sumatra have proposed to host the PBNU Congress. However, he stated that the decision on the location for the 35th PBNU Congress has not yet been made. “Several regions have proposed to be the host, such as NTB, West Sumatra, and some in East Java,” said Gus Ipul at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (7/5/2026). “Considering the very short time of around two months, all of that will be taken into account to determine the venue,” stated Gus Ipul. In addition to the location, his side is preparing technical matters such as material preparation and verification of eligible participants for the Congress. Before the 35th PBNU Congress, the Ulama Scholars Conference and Grand Conference (Konbes) will be held first in June 2026. Gus Ipul also invited regional board members to focus on preparing for the Congress and not to be swayed by unverified issues. “Don’t believe news that decrees are not signed. All decrees are signed after review, examination, and declared to meet the requirements,” said Gus Ipul. The proposal from Miftachul Akhyar was revealed by the Chairman of the Education, Law, and Media Division of PBNU, Muhammad Mukri. “If the Supreme Leader proposes from 1-5 (August),” said Mukri to Kompas.com on Monday (4/5/2026). He explained that the PBNU Congress is usually held every five years in August.