MLB Figure: 40 Per Cent of Regional NU Members Desire Changes within PBNU
Ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar scheduled for August 2026, it is claimed that 40 per cent of the Regional NU Boards (PWNU) and Branch NU Boards (PCNU) across various Indonesian regions desire changes within the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU).
This was stated by the former Deputy Chairman of the East Java PWNU, KH Abdussalam Shohib, commonly known as Gus Salam. The figure, who helped initiate the movement for an Extraordinary Congress (MLB) NU through the Organisation Salvation and MLB NU Committee (PO & MLB) NU, revealed these aspirations were gathered following a series of visits to various regions in Indonesia.
Based on direct communication with regional officials, Gus Salam noted that the drive for internal change within the PBNU is triggered by a decline in organisational productivity and an internal situation deemed non-conducive. “From what we have heard from our colleagues in the PCNU and PWNU, the spirit for change within the PBNU is very high. This is because productivity is currently very minimal, and the situation is also uncomfortable and lacks stability,” Gus Salam said in Surabaya on Wednesday.
The caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Mambaul Ma’arif Denanyar in Jombang added that the lack of solidarity within the PBNU is being deeply felt by regional and branch officials. He noted that this condition persists leading up to the upcoming National Consultative Meeting (Munas), the Grand Conference (Konbes), and the 35th NU Muktamar.
To date, Gus Salam claims he has documented approximately 40 per cent of the regional PWNU and PCNU structures visited, including discussions regarding his potential candidacy for the General Chairmanship of the PBNU. These consolidation efforts have covered regions across Java, as well as several provinces in Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan.
Regarding the upcoming Munas and Konbes, which PBNU Supreme Leader (Rais Aam) KH Miftachul Achyar has reportedly scheduled for 20-21 June at the Al Falah Ploso Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, Gus Salam expressed hope that the internal dualism or disagreements within the PBNU would be resolved promptly. He noted that the proposal for this schedule was sent to the PBNU General Chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf, on 1 June.
He emphasised that the determination of these meetings must reach a resolution so that elite-level dynamics do not negatively impact the boarding schools hosting the events. According to organisational rules, the Munas and Konbes must be conducted before the Muktamar can take place. Based on previous experience, the interval between the Munas-Konbes and the Muktamar is typically around one month.
Several major Islamic boarding schools in East Java, including Lirboyo, Syaichona Cholil, Asembagus, Walisongo, and Amanatul Ummah, have expressed their readiness to host the 35th NU Muktamar. Additionally, regional boards from West Sumatra, South Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and Jakarta, as well as the Cirebon branch, have also formally submitted their readiness to host.