Gus Ipul: 35th NU Congress a momentum to return to founders' roots
This congress is NU’s first congress in its second century. And it feels as if something is guiding us back to the embrace of the muassis, or founders, of Nahdlatul Ulama.
Jombang (ANTARA) - Saifullah Yusuf, chairman of the organising committee for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, said that holding the 35th NU Congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, is a momentum to return to the values inherited by NU’s founders.
Gus Ipul, as he is affectionately known, made the remarks while delivering his report at the opening of the 35th NU Congress, attended by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Jombang on Thursday.
“This congress is NU’s first congress in its second century. And it feels as if something is guiding us back to the embrace of the muassis, or founders, of Nahdlatul Ulama,” said Gus Ipul.
Gus Ipul said the congress location was only confirmed around 50 days before the event, meaning the committee had to make preparations in a relatively short time.
According to him, congress preparations covered physical readiness, logistics, governance, and human resources. The committee also prepared a chip-based system and artificial intelligence to support registration, participant identification, attendance monitoring, and access control for meeting rooms.
“We have installed more than 150 CCTV cameras. And what makes us proud, Mr President, is that this system was designed and built entirely by the santri, led by Gus Robin and his team,” he said.
In addition, around 1,500 MSME stalls were set up along the boarding school area. The bazaar, running from 20 to 31 August 2026, was equipped with a cultural stage and night market, so the congress also helped stimulate the local economy.
The committee also received support in the form of 200 electric becaks to assist the mobility of kiai and participants during the congress. Gus Ipul said these vehicles were assistance from President Prabowo Subianto.
Gus Ipul estimated that more than 50,000 Nahdliyin delegations from various regions attended the congress series.
He also noted that public enthusiasm was evident from residents voluntarily providing assistance in the form of rice, vegetables, goats, and even cows for the congress’s needs.
“That is where the strength of Nahdlatul Ulama is felt. Not merely the strength of structure, not only the strength of numbers, but the strength of love, devotion, mutual cooperation, and sincerity,” he said.
Gus Ipul also said that the opening of the 35th NU Congress by President Prabowo continues the historical tradition of the head of state attending NU’s highest forum.
He expressed hope that the first NU congress of its second century would bring blessings to NU, the nation, the state, and all the people of Indonesia.