Khofifah Attends 80th Muslimat NU Anniversary, Calls for World Peace to the UN
The 80th anniversary of Muslimat NU, held at the Al Akbar National Mosque in Surabaya on Sunday (17/05/2026), was conducted with solemnity and was laden with messages of global peace. A primary agenda of the event was the reading of a Statement and Appeal for World Peace from Muslimat NU to the United Nations (UN), presented in both Indonesian and English.
The Governor of East Java stated that the central theme for this 8lenium anniversary is building world peace through the roles of women, religion, and humanitarian values. “The message of this Muslimat anniversary is to build world peace. This is not only being read here, but at all Muslimat anniversaries across Indonesia. We will later convey this call for peace directly to the UN Secretary-General,” Khofifah stated in her remarks.
According to Khofifah, the peace appeal had previously been sent digitally to the UN. However, through the Chairperson of the Muslimat NU Central Executive Board, who is also the Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, the official delivery will be coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being presented directly to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “The essence of Muslimat NU’s peace message to the UN is to stop wars and establish tranquility and peace. Hopefully, this will bring a tangible impact in the future,” she said.
During the event, Khofifah also expressed her gratitude for the presence of Sheikh Afeefuddin and his family. She noted that the presence of the 19th descendant of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani was particularly special. The event was attended by congregants from various regions in East Java, as well as special Muslimat NU branches from countries including Malaysia and Japan.
Khofifah praised the independence of Muslimat NU members, noting that many had travelled from remote island areas, such as Kangean and Sepudi, at their own expense. She remarked that Muslimat NU has remained consistent in upholding the Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah tradition through strengthening social bonds, dhikr, communal prayer, and character education within society.
In his sermon, Sheikh Afeefuddin emphasised the significant role of Muslimat NU in preserving Islamic values, shaping the character and etiquette of the younger generation, and building strong families. He also cautioned members to protect the youth from the negative influences of technological developments, specifically the excessive use of mobile devices. He urged parents to educate their children properly so they may become preachers and teachers through both words and exemplary conduct.