NU's 35th Congress in Jombang: 99 Mosques to Serve as Rest Stops and Lodging for Nahdliyin
Members of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) will enliven the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java. They can stop over and stay overnight at 99 mosques spread across 21 NU sub-district representative councils (MWCNU) throughout Jombang Regency.
“These mosques will serve as prayer facilities, rest stops, and temporary overnight accommodation,” said Jombang Regent Warsubi in Jombang on Monday (24/8).
The initiative was undertaken by the Jombang NU Branch Executive Council (PCNU) by engaging dozens of houses of worship through the “99 Mosques Friendly to Congress Participants” programme. Warsubi said Jombang’s selection as host of the 35th NU Congress is a great honour as well as a shared responsibility, because the presence of a sea of people is certain to enliven social and economic dynamics in the City of Santri during the event.
“This activity will certainly be attended by thousands of people coming to Jombang,” he said.
Warsubi appreciated the initiative to launch the network of 99 mosques, because mosques and prayer rooms will become the main destinations for congress participants who need a place to rest amid the busy congress agenda.
“Mosques and prayer rooms will certainly be places that many congress participants visit during the 35th NU Congress,” he said.
To ensure guest comfort, Warsubi urged mosque caretakers and managers to take extra care in maintaining facility cleanliness, including the availability of clean water, tidiness of the main hall, and the adequacy of toilets.
“Keep the mosques clean and comfortable so that congress participants feel at ease when visiting,” he urged.
Warsubi expressed hope that all levels of Jombang residents would welcome guests with the smiles and friendliness typical of Nahdliyin as a reflection of the City of Santri’s happiness in making the event a success.
“Let us welcome the 35th NU Congress with spirit and pride. Let us welcome all guests to Jombang Regency warmly and happily,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) Jombang Didin Ahmad Sholahuddin, known as Gus Didin, explained that the programme is a form of concrete synergy between DMI, PCNU, and the NU Mosque Management Institution (LTMNU) Jombang.
“Today we are holding the launch of the Mosque Friendly to Congress Participants and Friendly to Supporters programme. The theme is ‘99 Mosques Friendly to Congress Participants’ to welcome the arrival of guests in Jombang Regency,” he explained.
Gus Didin revealed that of the 99 registered locations, around 25 to 30 mosques have been inventoried and declared suitable to function as overnight accommodation for participants and supporters.
“This is a form of happiness for the people of Jombang because they have been trusted to be hosts. The hope is that the happiness we feel can also be felt directly by the guests who attend,” he said.
The selection of mosque locations was not distributed evenly per sub-district, but was adjusted to the needs map of the western, eastern, northern, southern, and central areas. Before being designated, each mosque was required to pass a facility feasibility verification stage.
Each friendly mosque is required to provide adequate rest areas, adequate sanitation and ablution facilities, and a commitment to provide basic consumption such as mineral water, coffee, and tea free of charge for guests.
Gus Didin explained that the distribution process of supporting logistics, flags, backdrops, and consumption aid began to be distributed in stages on Monday, 24 August 2026, so that the entire mosque network is ready to operate fully to welcome the congress.
“The greatest service concentration remains focused on the city area. Mosques within a two-kilometre radius of the congress activity centre are placed on extra alert as the main bastion of comfort for congress participants,” he said.