Lirboyo Pesantren Awaits PBNU Decision on Hosting Muktamar
Kediri (ANTARA) - The leadership of Lirboyo Pesantren in Kediri City, East Java, has stated that it is still awaiting a decision from the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board regarding the proposal for the pesantren to host the 35th NU Congress.
“The official decision is, of course, something we are all awaiting from the grand conference, which according to information will be held this April,” said the spokesperson for Lirboyo Pesantren in Kediri, Kiai Haji Abdul Muid Shohib, in his statement in Kediri on Friday.
He also expressed thanks to the Caretaker of Al Falah Pesantren in Ploso, Kediri Regency, Kiai Haji Nurul Huda Djazuli, and various parties who have proposed Lirboyo Pesantren as the host for the 35th NU Congress.
However, he emphasised that to date, there has been no official request regarding the appointment of Lirboyo Pesantren as the host for the NU Congress.
“Up to now, because there has been no official request, the Lirboyo side has also not specifically discussed the matter in internal forums,” he said.
He added that Lirboyo Pesantren in Kediri is ready to carry out the mandate if it is eventually appointed as the host for the NU Congress.
“Given the great affection of the Lirboyo clerics for the Nahdlatul Ulama organisation, if it is truly appointed and trusted, insyaallah Lirboyo is ready to fulfil that mandate,” said Abdul Muid.
“Moreover, in terms of facilities and infrastructure, the current condition of Lirboyo is, alhamdulillah, relatively more adequate,” he added.
Meanwhile, in the PBNU ranks, the focus is currently on organisational consolidation to prepare for the congress planned for mid-2026.
The General Secretary of the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board (PBNU) for the 2022–2027 term, Saifullah Yusuf, said preparations for the congress include internal organisational consolidation up to verification of the administration of those eligible to be participants in the organisation’s highest forum.
In addition to organisational consolidation, PBNU is also utilising the momentum of visits with senior ulama to seek prayers and blessings ahead of the congress.
Gus Ipul, his familiar nickname, stated that the visit agenda includes a number of senior kiai at various pesantrens in East Java.
“After that, I usually continue to pay respects to several ulama, especially senior kiai, such as to Ploso, Lirboyo, Kiai Hamid in Pasuruan, Kiai Fuad in Sidogiri, and several others to seek prayers and blessings,” he said.
Regarding the location of the Congress, Gus Ipul said that it is still under discussion and has not been decided because it must go through the organisational meeting mechanism. Several alternative locations are still being studied, both in Java and outside Java.