Gus Ipang States This Figure is Ready to Run for PBNU Chairperson

The race for the Chairperson of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) is beginning to heat up. An NU activist and great-grandson of the NU founder, Irfan Asy’ary Sudirman Wahid, also known as Gus Ipang Wahid, stated that the caretaker of Pesantren Bina Insan Mulia Cirebon, KH Imam Jazuli, has expressed readiness to be nominated as the PBNU Chairperson.

Gus Ipang made the statement following a dialogue with KH Imam Jazuli in Jombang on Sunday (30/08/2026). According to him, this readiness was conveyed during a conversation over breakfast.

“Kiai Imam Jazuli made an important statement; he declared his readiness to be nominated as the PBNU Chairperson,” said Gus Ipang.

However, Gus Ipang emphasised that KH Imam Jazuli’s readiness does not mean the nomination will be carried out based on personal will. He noted that a nomination will only proceed if it receives support from the muktamirin, particularly the Branch Boards (PC), Regional Boards (PW), and the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA).

“This is not a matter of personal ambition, but rather a historical calling to propel NU far forward,” Gus Ipang remarked.

Gus Ipang believes that KH Imam Jazuli could serve as an alternative figure to lead NU into its second century. He cited at least four considerations underlying this push.

First, the ability to perform internal consolidation and reconciliation. According to Gus Ipang, KH Imam Jazuli is deemed to possess the communication skills necessary to engage with various groups within the NU environment without being burdened by past conflicts.

Second, the issue of the organisation’s economic independence. Gus Ipang believes that NU requires strengthened independence to ensure the organisation does not become overly dependent on political patronage.

Third, experience in pesantren development. He noted that KH Imam Jazuli has a track record of encouraging pesantren to become more adaptive to digital and global developments without abandoning the traditional character of pesantren education.

The fourth consideration relates to global diplomacy. Gus Ipang assessed that international communication skills and an understanding of geopolitics are essential for strengthening NU’s presence on the global stage.

KH Imam Jazuli’s readiness was shared amidst ongoing discussions regarding the election mechanism for the Chairperson of the PBNU Tanfidziyah.