Gus Yahya Reminds that Nahdlatul Ulama Congress Should Not Be Used as a Political Stepping Stone

General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya), has reminded members that the 35th NU Congress, scheduled for August, should not be turned into a springboard for the 2029 general elections (Pemilu). According to Gus Yahya, this message has been repeatedly conveyed during nearly five years of his leadership at PBNU. “We have conveyed that message many times over nearly five years: NU must not become a competitor or contestant in the contestation of power and politics—that’s it,” said Gus Yahya at the PBNU office in Jakarta on Wednesday (13/5/2026). Therefore, PBNU will strive to ensure that the NU Congress is not exploited for electoral political interests. “So, of course, we will endeavour to make this Congress not an arena like a stepping stone for the 2029 Pemilu,” said Gus Yahya. Regarding preparations for the 35th NU Congress, he emphasised that PBNU will still hold a plenary meeting on 21 May 2026 to determine the timing and location of the National Ulama Consultation (Munas) and the NU Grand Conference (Konbes). “Today there was the first committee meeting. The Rais Aam has agreed to hold the plenary on 21 May. That will be to decide the time and place for Munas-Konbes,” said Gus Yahya. According to him, the outcomes of Munas-Konbes will also serve as a forum to discuss and decide on the location and timing of the 35th NU Congress. “Then, in Munas-Konbes, the time and place for the main event will be discussed and decided,” he said. Gus Yahya revealed that many regions have already offered to host the 35th NU Congress. Some areas mentioned include DKI Jakarta, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), East Java, Central Java, and West Java. “There are so many proposals. Jakarta wants it, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, NTB, several in East Java, Central Java, West Java—many,” he said. He stressed that the final decision will be made through NU’s characteristic mechanism, prioritising consultation and the wisdom of senior kiai. “So, we will discuss it and decide in the NU way. The NU way means with the policies and wisdom from the senior kiai in that environment,” said Gus Yahya.