NU Congress Opens, Gus Yahya Calls for Ta'awun

The chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya, has called on all NU members to revive the spirit of ta’awun, or mutual assistance.

According to him, this spirit serves as an important foundation for maintaining the integrity of the social order and the nation.

Gus Yahya quoted the view of NU founder Hadratussyekh KH Hasyim Asy’ari in the ‘Muqaddimah Qanun Asasi NU’, which places mutual assistance as the basis of communal life.

‘Hadratussyaikh Kiai Muhammad Hasyim Asy’ari in the Muqaddimah Qanun Asasi stated, ata’awanu huwalladzi alaihi madaru nidhamil umam. Mutual assistance is the foundation for the functioning of the social order,’ said Gus Yahya during his address at the opening ceremony of the 35th NU Congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, on Thursday (27/8/2026).

According to Gus Yahya, a society built on the principle of ta’awun will not become trapped in questions of who holds power or occupies certain positions.

On the contrary, every element of society will prioritise cooperation for the common interest and collective dignity.

He therefore stressed that the spirit of ta’awun must not be confined to NU’s internal circles. It must become a shared energy for all elements of the Indonesian nation.

‘It is very fitting that we use this congress as a starting point to move forward in strengthening this beloved nation of ours through ta’awun, mutual assistance among citizens, not only among Nahdlatul Ulama members, but together with all citizens of this beloved nation,’ he said.

The 35th NU Congress will take place from 27 to 30 August 2026. The forum, which carries the theme ‘Safeguarding Dignity, Enriching Service for the Nation’s Welfare’, is attended by NU officials from various regions across Indonesia.