Gus Ipul: PBNU Prepares for the 35th Muktamar in Mid-2026

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA — The General Secretary of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2022–2027 term, Saifullah Yusuf, has said that PBNU is currently focusing on organisational consolidation to prepare for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar, planned to take place in mid-2026.

“Now everything is in consolidation for the Muktamar preparations. So our focus now is entirely on the Muktamar, planned for between July or August,” said Gus Ipul, his familiar nickname, while attending an iftar gathering at the PWNU Jatim Building in Surabaya recently.

He explained that the Muktamar preparations include internal organisational consolidation up to the administrative verification of the management entitled to participate in the organisation’s highest forum.

In addition to carrying out organisational consolidation, he also conveyed that PBNU is utilising the momentum of silaturahim with senior ulama to seek prayers and blessings ahead of the Muktamar.

He recounted that the silaturahim agenda includes visits to a number of senior kyai at various pesantrens in East Java. “After that, I usually continue with visits to several ulama, especially senior kyai such as those in Ploso, Lirboyo, Kyai Hamid in Pasuruan, Kyai Fuad Sidogiri, and several others to seek prayers and blessings,” he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the location of the Muktamar, he said that it is still in the discussion stage and has not been decided because it must go through the organisational meeting mechanism. He mentioned that there are several alternative locations, both in Java and outside Java, which are being considered by PBNU.

“The location itself has not yet been determined. There are several options, but it will be decided through the meeting process,” he stated.