Gus Ipul: Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Has Potential to Become PBNU Chairman

JAKARTA — The Secretary General of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Saifullah Yusuf alias Gus Ipul, has revealed that the Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag), Prof KH Nasaruddin Umar, has the potential to fill the position of PBNU Chairman. Gus Ipul referred to Nasaruddin’s track record as a former Katib Aam of PBNU. According to Gus Ipul’s records, PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf and former PBNU Chairman Said Aqil Siradj also previously held the position of Katib Aam PBNU. “If we’re talking about it, one of those with potential is Pak Nasaruddin Umar, who was also previously Katib Aam, Gus Yahya was also previously Katib Aam, and Kiai Said, if I’m not mistaken, was also previously Katib Aam,” said Gus Ipul to reporters on Friday (8/5/2026). Gus Ipul stated that to date, no candidates for PBNU Chairman have formally agreed to nominate themselves. According to him, the opportunity to run remains wide open. “There are no specific candidates yet, but everyone is given the chance,” said Gus Ipul. Nevertheless, Gus Ipul mentioned that other PBNU members also have the opportunity to fill the Chairman position. The selection of the PBNU Chairman is planned to take place through the NU Congress in August 2026. “Everyone is given the chance to nominate themselves, especially since Nahdlatul Ulama is so large,” said Gus Ipul. Regarding his own prospects of running as a candidate for PBNU Chairman, Gus Ipul stated that he has no intention of doing so. Gus Ipul feels he does not meet the requirements. “I’ve said it repeatedly, I feel I do not meet the requirements to become chairman,” he said. Gus Ipul chooses to focus on preparing for the congress as PBNU Secretary General. Gus Ipul hopes the NU Congress will run smoothly as scheduled. “We are all preparing towards that. Everything is preparation towards that. And insyaallah, it will be on schedule. We hope that the regional and branch (organisations) truly have proposals that can be discussed further,” said Gus Ipul.