NU Congress Heats Up: Banser Commander Takes Over Security
The General Chairman of GP Ansor and Supreme Commander of Banser, Addin Jauharudin, has taken decisive action following rising tensions during the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, on Sunday afternoon (30/08/2026).
“The Congress is a noble forum and must not be disrupted by destructive movements,” he stated during a joint assembly of Banser, Pagar Nusa, and local committee members near the NU Congress Plenary Session.
In an effort to fulfil his mandate, the Supreme Commander of Banser firmly asserted that the Congress process must proceed according to the schedule established by the committee. “I will ensure that the entire series of Congress agendas proceeds according to the committee’s plan until the closing tomorrow,” said the Security Coordinator for the 35th NU Congress.
He warned that security forces and relevant committees would take necessary firm action against any parties intentionally disrupting the events to restore order. “This is our highest forum, our noble forum, a forum for us to strengthen ties to bolster NU in the future,” he added.
Throughout the Congress, he intends to optimise all security forces within the committee to maintain and strengthen safety. “I am taking over the security control of the Congress. Let us protect the dignity of the organisation. Here, on the land we stand upon, flows the blood of the scholars who founded us. Do not defile it with destructive actions. Let us protect our roots together,” explained Addin.
As the Supreme Commander of Banser mandated as the Security Coordinator for the Congress, Addin is committed to ensuring that scholars (ulama) and clerics (kiai), as well as representatives from various NU regional and branch levels, can conduct the process comfortably and solemnly. “Therefore, let there be no further disruptions. Allow our scholars and clerics from various regions to formulate the best path for the organisation and its members,” he said.
Previously, the atmosphere at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang grew heated on Sunday afternoon. Observations at the location showed dozens of students (santri) forcing their way into the main area of the fourth plenary session at the Multipurpose Building.
The unrest occurred after the session leaders ratified a clause regarding a ‘political waiting period’ (masa iddah politik) during the plenary session held at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School Multipurpose Building, Jombang.
At approximately 13:30, a group of supporters identifying as followers of Gus Yusuf attempted to enter the session hall. The crowd engaged in pushing matches with security officers and Banser members on duty. For over two hours, they continued to deliver orations at the entrance of the plenary hall, protesting the decision of the session leaders to ratify the clause.
Following the afternoon prayer (Ashar), the crowd dispersed in an orderly manner. Subsequently, members of Banser and Pannot Nusa held a joint assembly around the Congress site to implement strict security measures.