Gus Miftah: Kiai Imam Jazuli Not Just an Alternative, but an Absolute Necessity for NU's Second-Century Leadership

Ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, scheduled for 27-31 August 2026 at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, various names of potential candidates for the chairmanship of the NU Executive Board (PBNU) are emerging. KH Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman, known as Gus Miftah and the head of the Ora Aji Islamic Boarding School in Yogyakarta, has outlined several criteria he believes the next chairman must possess to face the organisation’s challenges in its second century. In a written statement, Gus Miftah stressed that NU is no longer only dealing with traditional community issues but must also respond to the demands of globalisation, digital transformation, economic empowerment, and international diplomacy. He therefore argued that NU needs a leader with multidimensional capacity. “NU today is a large organisation at a civilisational crossroads. It requires a captain who has strong roots in the pesantren tradition while also being able to bring NU to play a role on the global stage,” Gus Miftah said. He highlighted several names circulating in the candidacy race ahead of the 35th NU Congress. Among them, he assessed that KH Imam Jazuli possesses the most relevant strengths for NU’s current needs. In Gus Miftah’s view, Kiai Imjaz, as he is affectionately known, has a complete background. He is the head of the Bina Insan Mulia Islamic Boarding School, but also educated abroad in philosophy, politics, defence, and strategy. He is a kiai with a successful track record in entrepreneurship. “At this point, a figure like Kiai Imam Jazuli is no longer just an alternative. He is an absolute necessity. If NU wants to race against the times, its locomotive must be someone who is at peace with himself and has a mind that leaps far ahead,” Gus Miftah stated. Gus Miftah detailed six main criteria for the next PBNU chairman. First, an NU leader must come from a pesantren background, as pesantren are the primary foundation of the traditions, culture, and values that have shaped Nahdlatul Ulama since its founding by the muassis.