Gus Yahya hopes Muktamar will not become a springboard for the 2029 Election

Jakarta (ANTARA) - General Chairman of PBNU Yahya Cholil Staquf hopes that the implementation of the organisation’s highest forum, the muktamar, will not be turned into a springboard for the 2029 general election (Pemilu). “That this muktamar does not become a kind of springboard for the 2029 Pemilu,” said the man familiarly known as Gus Yahya in Jakarta on Wednesday. Gus Yahya stated that this message has been repeatedly conveyed during nearly five years of his leadership in PBNU. Therefore, PBNU will strive to ensure that the muktamar is not exploited as an arena for electoral political interests. Regarding the nomination mechanism in the Muktamar, he mentioned that there is no obligation for candidates to resign from structural positions, especially in the government, beforehand. However, there are rules regarding the prohibition of dual office-holding that must be observed. “Clearly, there is a prohibition on dual office-holding in that matter,” he said. He emphasised that to convince that the candidate is worthy of being elected, the candidate must demonstrate their worthiness and ensure there are no obstacles that could affect the nomination process. Currently, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar is rumoured to be pushed to run as a candidate for PBNU General Chairman. On the other hand, Gus Yahya also hinted at running again to complete the promises from the muktamar in Lampung. Previously, the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) will hold a plenary meeting on 21 May 2026 to determine the time and place for the National Ulama Consultation (Munas) and the Great Conference of Nahdlatul Ulama. “The committee has been approved, today there is the first committee meeting. The Rais Aam has agreed for us to hold the plenary on 21 May. That will then decide the time and place for the Munas Konbes,” said PBNU General Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf. The implementation of this Munas and Konbes will determine when and where PBNU’s highest forum, the Muktamar, will be held. In this muktamar, the new PBNU leadership term for the next five years will be determined.