Gus Salam to run for PBNU chairman on orders of KH Nurul Huda Djazuli

KH Abdussalam Shohib, or Gus Salam, has stated his intention to stand as a candidate for General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) on the orders of elder KH Nurul Huda Djazuli and other prominent NU figures. “The background to our endeavour to serve in PBNU at the upcoming Muktamar is, first and foremost, on the orders of KH Nurul Huda Djazuli,” Gus Salam said in Banda Aceh on Sunday. The statement was made during a gathering with the Aceh PWNU board and branch representatives on the sidelines of the Aceh NU Regional Work Meeting in Banda Aceh. The 2026 National Conference of Alim Ulama and the Nahdlatul Ulama Grand Conference have agreed to hold the 35th NU Muktamar from 1–5 August 2026, though the location has yet to be determined. He conveyed that KH Nurul Huda Djazuli wants the PBNU board to always be united, harmonious, and cohesive, given that the organisation is a gathering place for ulama who serve as community role models. “He is very sad and concerned seeing open conflict within the PBNU board,” he said. Consequently, during a recent meeting in Malang, KH Nurul Huda Djazuli directly issued the command for him to become a leader in Nahdlatul Ulama. “You are a santri. You are also serving in NU now. You must endeavour to become a leader at the upcoming Muktamar,” he repeated the words of the cleric affectionately known as Kiai Da. Gus Salam explained that Kiai Da gave him two important tasks: first, to make PBNU more harmonious, cohesive, and united, and to carry out a comprehensive reconciliation. Second, to ensure NU’s governance truly upholds pesantren values, as these are the most visible characteristics of the organisation filled with ulama. “Those two main messages were what he conveyed to us. And it was not just once,” he said. After receiving the order, Gus Salam reflected on whether he was worthy of seeking leadership in PBNU, even doubting the command because he felt unworthy. “I myself said I am not worthy, so I then asked for confirmation from his companion. Is it true that he is asking me to endeavour at this Muktamar? Is there no mistake? And it turned out it was indeed from him,” he said. Therefore, as a santri taught and raised to be obedient to his teacher, he is determined to carry out this task to the best of his ability. “So the first step towards togetherness and cohesion is for us to visit all stakeholders in Nahdlatul Ulama, both elders and board members. Having received blessings, we will carry out a total reconciliation,” Gus Salam asserted. Meanwhile, Aceh PWNU Secretary Tgk Asnawi M Amin said that Aceh has not yet taken a stance of support for any particular candidate, and is still listening to the presentations and work programmes of the prospective General Chairmen. To date, only Gus Salam has met with NU officials across Aceh, but the party is providing equal opportunity to other candidates who wish to engage with the PWNU and branch boards throughout Aceh. “We do not object to candidates wanting to meet all branches, and we give the opportunity to all candidates. Perhaps others will come later; we welcome them all,” he said. PWNU Aceh is inviting all branch boards to deliberate, unite, and speak with one voice in supporting a candidate, but first they need to hear the presentations or work programmes from the candidates. “Gus Salam is the first; we hope other candidates will also come to meet, engage, and interact directly with NU officials across Aceh,” Tgk Asnawi M Amin concluded.