Gus Salam Meets Administrative Requirements for PBNU Chairmanship Candidacy
Amid preparations for the NU Conference and National Congress of Alim Ulama (Konbes and Munas) scheduled for 20-23 June 2026 at PP Al-Falah Ploso, Kediri, and Bangkalan, the issue of candidates for the PBNU Chairmanship in the upcoming August congress is gaining momentum. Crucial discussions regarding the election mechanism and the requirements to become a PBNU leader at the 35th NU Congress have begun to surface.
Kiai Ahmad Samsul Rijal, or Gus Rijal, who served as Katib Syuriyah of PCNU Jombang from 2017 to 2022, stated that the upcoming Konbes and Munas will address election regulations, whether through amendments to the Bylaws (ART) or NU Association Regulations (Perkum). The primary focus will be on the administrative and moral requirements for candidates.
One of the requirements for the Chairmanship candidate is having undergone cadre education. The NU Perkum stipulates that candidates must have completed cadre education at the required level for their prospective board position, evidenced by a cadre education certificate conducted and recognised within Nahdlatul Ulama, with its validity verified.
“Gus Salam has fulfilled the requirement of completing cadre education at the stipulated level and has obtained verified certification in the cadre information system,” said Gus Rijal in a written statement on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
Gus Rijal explained that the current requirement for any PBNU chairmanship candidate at the 35th NU Congress is that their credentials can be checked in the cadre information system. He added that this provision is binding for all, particularly ensuring that the PBNU chairmanship candidate formally possesses competence, militancy, commitment, and a sense of responsibility.
Behind the cadre education completion requirement for those within and aspiring to be PBNU functionaries lies the rationale of eligibility and propriety for board membership. “That is the procedure. Although there are currently efforts to change the normative provisions regarding the cadre education level requirement for the chairmanship candidate through the Konbes and Munas in Ploso,” Gus Rijal stated.
“The requirement to have completed the National Leadership Academy (AKN) for PBNU’s executive body (tanfidziyah) is proposed to be revised to the completion of the NU Intermediate Leadership Education (PMKNU). The inaugural AKN, scheduled for August 2025, was cancelled due to the tragedy of Zionist infiltration within PBNU,” he continued.