Gus Ipul: NU's 35th Congress to be Held in August 2026

Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board (PBNU), Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul, has confirmed that the 35th NU Congress will be held in August 2026. However, the location city or region for the event has not yet been determined.

Gus Ipul stated that there are currently several alternative locations under consideration. The numerous regions bidding to host the event require PBNU to conduct a curation process before making a decision.

“Ah, the [congress location] has not been decided yet. Just wait, there are many alternatives, and many are requesting to be the host,” said Gus Ipul during a visit to the Kedung Cowek People’s School construction project in Surabaya on Sunday (3/5).

This former two-term Deputy Governor of East Java said that several options for the congress venue will be discussed and decided by PBNU’s highest leaders, namely the Rais Aam and the General Chairman.

“So, it’s in process, of course it will be discussed through meetings or decided by the Rais Aam and the General Chairman. The main point is that we are focusing on organising the Congress in August next year,” he stated.

Furthermore, Gus Ipul explained that the decision to hold the Congress in August 2026 is a follow-up from previous plenary and joint meetings. This step was taken in response to aspirations from NU Provincial Boards (PWNU) throughout Indonesia seeking clarity on the timing.

Gus Ipul, who also serves as Chairman of the Organising Committee (OC) for the 35th NU Congress, mentioned that his team is working and making intensive preparations.

“In accordance with the meeting decisions, yes, according to the plenary meeting and joint meeting decisions, the organisation is planned for August. This aligns with regional aspirations. Therefore, we are now working hard, under the direction of the Rais Aam, to hold the Congress in August,” he continued.

Regarding organisational readiness, PBNU has completed the formation of the committee structure, from the core committee to the full structure across various fields. The documents are now awaiting final validation from PBNU’s top policymakers.

“Yes, so the core committee and the full committee structure have been formed, just waiting for approval from the Rais Aam and the General Chairman,” he concluded.