NU Congress Turns Chaotic; Gus Yahya Urges Gus Yusuf's Supporters to Remain Calm

The General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Yahya Chollor Staquf, has requested that the supporters of KH Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori (Gus Yusuf) to remain calm and refrain from forcing their way into the plenary session arena of the 35th NU Congress at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Jombang, East Java, on Sunday (30/08/2026).

In his statement, Gus Yahya emphasised that he would strive to find a wise solution regarding the aspirations expressed by Gus Yusuf’s supporters, while still respecting the decisions made by the congress delegates (muktamirin).

“I wish to convey a message to those currently protesting at the plenary session site. I ask that you remain calm. I personally promise to endeavour to find a wise way out of this issue so that everyone can remain at peace,” said Gus Ser Yahya.

Gus Yahya stated that Gus Yusuf is one of the finest cadres possessed by Nahdlatul Ulama. He noted that, if left to personal preference, he would want all of NU’s best cadres to have the opportunity to serve.

“In truth, I acknowledge that he is an excellent cadre. If it depended on me personally, I would want everyone to be accommodated and everyone to receive an opportunity. However, the delegates have made their decision,” he said.

Consequently, Gus Yahya urged all candidates for General Chairman not to ignore the great potential held by Gus Yusuf, regardless of who is eventually selected by the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) as the PBNU General Chairman for the 2026–2031 period.

“Whoever is later chosen by the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi to be the General Chairman for the upcoming period must not forget Gus Yusuf Chudlori as a great potential that must be utilised for the benefit of this organisation (jam’iyah),” he asserted.

He even stated that if he were re-entrusted with leading the PBNU, he would provide space and strategic roles to Gus Yusuf in the future PBNU administration.

“If I am the one appointed by the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi, I will certainly consider, calculate, and provide a strategic role for Gus Yusuf,” he said.

As the Congress nears completion, Gus Yahya also expressed his gratitude that the series of the 35th NU Congress has proceeded smoothly into its decisive agendas. He noted that the congress is now left with several core agendas that will produce important decisions as a foundation for Nahdlatul Ulama entering its second century.

“Alhamdulillah, it has proceeded smoothly up to this point. We only have a few core agendas left, which will result in decisions that will serve as the foundation for Nahdlatul Ulama’s journey through its second century,” he said.

Gus Yahya also expressed his thanks to all regional (PWNU), branch (PCNU), and international (PCINU) boards, as well as the delegates, for their magnanimity and goodwill during his leadership process. He urged all congress participants to prioritise the welfare of Nahdlatul Ulama above all other interests when determining the organisation’s direction for the next five years.

Previously, the atmosphere of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Jombang, East Java, turned chaotic on Sunday (30/08/2026) afternoon. Based on observations at the location, dozens of students (santri) attempted to force their way into the main area of the fourth plenary session at the Multipurpose Building.

The unrest occurred after the session leadership ratified a clause regarding a “political waiting period” (masa idah politik) during the plenary session. Under this provision, anyone wishing to run for the General Chairman of the PBNU is required to resign from any political party at least one year prior to their candidacy.

This regulation was contested by several congress participants, who argued it could hinder the candidacy of a potential chairman who had previously served in a political party. Around 1:30 PM, a group of individuals identifying as Gus Yusuf’s supporters attempted to enter the main arena to protest the decision. By late afternoon, the crowd dispersed peacefully, with several students even shaking hands with security officers before leaving the site, offering apologies for the disturbance.