Gus Ma'shum Calls Tambakberas Muktamar a 'Calling' from NU's Founders

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board, KH Ma’shum Faqih, has gratefully welcomed the decision to hold the 35th NU Congress at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang from 27 to 31 August 2026. In a statement on Wednesday, Gus Ma’shum assessed that the decision was not merely about determining the venue, but carried profound historical and spiritual significance for NU’s journey. The member of the Langitan Islamic Boarding School’s Advisory Council explained that KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah was the initiator, founder, and driving force behind the birth of Nahdlatul Ulama through the embryo of the Hijaz Committee in 1926. Despite being the main originator, he continued, Mbah Yai Wahab still demonstrated his humility by seeking the blessing of his teacher, KH M Hasyim Asy’ari, before NU was officially established. According to Gus Ma’shum Faqih, the choice of Tambakberas amidst the various dynamics developing within the organisation conveys a moral message that Nahdlatul Ulama is never separated from the prayers, exemplary conduct, and legacy of values of its founders. ‘I believe the founders never left NU. It is as if Mbah Yai Wahab is inviting us all to return home, to reaffirm unity and prioritise the welfare of the association above all other interests,’ he said. Gus Ma’shum, who also previously served as Vice Chairman of the Rabithah Ma’ahid Islamiyah (RMI) of East Java NU and Founder of the Gawagis Nusantara Forum, hopes the 35th Congress will be a momentum to reaffirm organisational governance in accordance with Nahdlatul Ulama’s principles. ‘The founders have set an example that the ulama are the guides for the association’s direction. Therefore, I hope the congress in Tambakberas will be a momentum to strengthen the role of the Mustasyar and Syuriyah as guardians of the organisation’s values, wisdom, and direction, while the Tanfidziyah carries out the organisational mandate according to its authority. That harmony has been NU’s strength for more than a century,’ said Gus Ma’shum Faqih.