NU Congress Scheduled for 1-5 August 2026, Venue Still Under Discussion
General Secretary of the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board (PBNU), Saifullah Yusuf, stated that the 35th NU Congress is planned to take place from 1 to 5 August 2026. To date, the location for this highest forum of the organisation is still being discussed by the executives.
“The NU Congress is planned to be held from 1 to 5 August 2026. Regarding the location, it has not yet been decided, but preparations are continuously being carried out,” said the man also known as Gus Ipul, when met at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Jakarta, on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
According to him, the committee is continuously preparing for the congress, from compiling materials to registering eligible participants for the forum. He mentioned that agendas prior to the congress are also being prepared, namely the National Conference of Scholars and the NU Grand Conference in June.
“Before the Congress, there will be the National Conference of Scholars and the Grand Conference to be held in June. The results from the National Conference and Grand Conference will serve as materials for the upcoming 35th Congress,” said the Minister of Social Affairs.
In addition to preparing the congress agenda, Gus Ipul said the executives are also working to finalise management decrees for regions and branches that were delayed due to internal organisational dynamics. He assured that all decree issuance processes are proceeding in accordance with the organisation’s mechanisms.
“We are also continuing to work to finalise all decrees for regions and branches that were delayed due to internal organisational dynamics. I can assure that all decrees are being processed properly in accordance with all existing provisions,” he said.
Gus Ipul also denied reports claiming he is withholding the signing of management decrees in several regions. According to him, every decree goes through stages of review and examination before being signed.
“Do not believe news that decrees are not being signed. All decrees are signed after undergoing review, examination, and being declared to meet the requirements. If it is stated that I refuse to sign, that is untrue and misleading news,” he said.
He added that the congress committee composition has been finalised and submitted to the Rais Aam and General Chairman of PBNU. The committee decree, he said, is targeted to be issued this week.
“This week, the decree will be issued. For that, I hope all levels of regional and branch executives prepare to welcome this Congress by producing the best decisions for the organisation,” said Gus Ipul.
Regarding the location, Gus Ipul said several regions have proposed themselves as hosts. “There are several regions proposing to be hosts, such as in NTB, West Sumatra, and several in East Java,” he said.
However, according to him, the determination of the location will still be discussed further, considering accessibility, readiness of facilities and infrastructure, as well as the relatively short preparation time.
“Everything will of course depend on the meeting results, considering various factors, including access, facilities and infrastructure, with the consideration of very short time, about two months,” he said.