Gus Rozin Speaks Out on Religious Affairs Minister's Potential Candidacy for NU Chairman, Reminds of This Fundamental Matter

Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Central Java Regional Board, KH Abdul Ghaffar Rozin, has responded to the statement by Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) who mentioned that the Republic of Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has the potential to become a candidate for General Chairman of PBNU at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress.

According to Gus Rozin, the emergence of Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin’s name as a candidate for PBNU Chairman is a normal occurrence in the dynamics of the NU organisation.

“Yes, it’s normal for everyone to mention everyone else, especially since they are both ministers. But I also suspect it’s not certain yet; everything is still fluid,” said Gus Rozin when contacted by Republika.co.id on Tuesday (12/5/2026).

He also highlighted the possibility of holding multiple positions if a minister runs for General Chairman of PBNU. According to him, a commitment to relinquish the public office is essential if selected to lead PBNU.

“The important thing is the commitment to resign as minister if he becomes the General Chairman of PBNU,” he stated.

The son of KH Sahal Mahfudz said that the position of General Chairman of PBNU is not ideal to be combined with a public official position that carries significant responsibilities in the government.

“To become the General Chairman of PBNU and NU chairmen anywhere, whether at the regional or branch level, it cannot be combined with public officials who have major responsibilities,” he said.

Nevertheless, he admitted that he has not yet studied in detail the NU bylaws regarding officials at the ministerial level running for General Chairman of PBNU.