Gus Ipul Asserts 35th NU Congress is Not About PMII or HMI Sentiments
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee (OC) for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, has asserted that linking the organisation’s internal conditions to the backgrounds of groups such as the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PMII) and the Islamic Student Association (HMI) is inappropriate.
Gus Ipul stated that issues within NU should not be reduced to mere inter-group sentiments or the organisational backgrounds of specific cadres. This statement was made in response to narratives circulating following the conclusion of the congress.
“There is no business involving PMII or HMI within this congress. This is a matter for Nahdlatul Ulama. Do not reduce or diminish it to the concerns of PMII and HMI; it has nothing to do with them,” Gus Ipul said during a press conference at the PBNU Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (3/9/2026).
Gus Ipul confirmed that the entire series of the 35th NU Congress proceeded well, democratically, and on schedule. The process resulted in new leadership for the 2026-2031 term.
According to him, NU is a large organisation that does not belong to any individual, group, political party, or specific student organisation. The success of the organisation must be viewed holistically and objectively as a unified Nahdlatul Ulama.
During the session, Gus Ipul also dismissed rumours regarding a ‘Palace Package’ in the election process for the Rais Aam and the General Chairman of PBNU. He emphasised that all decisions were made through transparent organisational mechanisms and official meetings, rather than through personal considerations or external intervention.
“The process was open and transparent. There is no ‘Palace Package.’ What exists is a package from the congress participants,” he asserted.
He requested that narratives of inter-group conflict be halted, as they have the potential to diminish the dignity of NU as the largest Islamic community organisation. Gus Ipul expressed hope that all parties would accept the congress results and cease unproductive commentary that hinders the organisation’s future progress.
President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to close the 35th NU Congress in Jombang on Monday (31/8), following his attendance at the opening ceremony.
As the Secretary General of PBNU, Gus Ipul emphasised that the decisions of the 35th NU Congress in Jombang are binding, though they may be amended through the organisation’s highest forum mechanism.
PBNU utilised command centre technology and 100 CCTV cameras to monitor the 35th NU Congress in Jombang to ensure transparency and optimal services for participants.