NU's 35th Congress Location Seen as Arena for Power Struggle

The uncertainty surrounding the location of Nahdlatul Ulama’s (NU) 35th Congress is considered not merely a technical issue, but a reflection of the strengthening internal political dynamics ahead of the leadership succession of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU). Political observer and Executive Director of Parameter Politik Indonesia (PPI), Adi Prayitno, described the debate over the venue as part of a strategy by interest groups within the organisation.

According to Adi, the lack of agreement on a location is common in an organisation as large as NU, especially when approaching a leadership change. Various factions within PBNU are currently believed to be still seeking common ground regarding a location that can benefit or be accepted by all parties.

"That is part of the internal dynamics of PBNU ahead of the congress. It’s about finding a location that can be accepted by all parties," Adi said when contacted on Tuesday (23/6).

Previously, PBNU General Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya, had confirmed that the 35th NU Congress is scheduled to take place on 1-5 August 2026. However, a final location has yet to be decided. An initial agreement had emerged to hold the congress in Lirboyo, but the plan fell through after receiving opposition from the PBNU Rais Aam.

Adi stressed that in organisational political contests, determining the location often becomes part of a manoeuvre to strengthen a particular candidate’s chances. "In many cases, the congress location is sometimes part of a manoeuvre to win the upcoming election," he added.

Beyond the issue of location, the tug-of-war of interests is also visible in other strategic issues. One that has surfaced is the debate over the rule regarding the PBNU General Chairman concurrently serving as a minister. This issue is considered to significantly influence the leadership configuration and the direction of competition at the upcoming congress.