NU's 35th Congress Postponed by Three Weeks

The implementation of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress has been postponed by several weeks. The decision was reached during a joint meeting between the Syuriyah and Tanfidziyah boards of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. The meeting decided that the agenda for the organisation’s highest forum, previously scheduled for 1-5 August 2026, has been shifted to 27-30 August 2026. Katib Syuriyah PBNU Ahmad Tajul Mafakhir explained that the schedule adjustment was based on technical considerations and event feasibility. One of the reasons was to ensure the optimisation of accommodation standards and infrastructure at the congress location. “This postponement is crucial to ensure that the operational standards of the accommodation run optimally,” Tajul said when contacted on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. He detailed matters requiring attention, such as the provision of adequate facilities, preparation of hygiene procedures, and the maintenance and completeness of utilities in each building or dormitory. He stated that this quinquennial event demands accurate preparation. This is because the 35th NU Congress will be attended by thousands of participants and honoured guests from across Indonesia. “The organising committee requires a longer duration to carry out technical consolidation and synergy with regional and branch administrators, as well as the supporting pesantren around the location,” he said. Tajul assessed that the schedule adjustment was a form of caution by PBNU in organising the 35th Congress. The aim, he said, is to ensure that the preparation and implementation of the event are not rushed. “This decision was taken solely to ensure that all the ideal prerequisites for the conference are properly met for the smooth running and comfort of all participants,” he said. In addition to setting the schedule, PBNU has decided that Pesantren Tambakberas in Jombang, East Java, will host this year’s congress. Tajul said historical, strategic, and technical readiness considerations determined the choice of location. “Historically, Tambakberas is one of the epicentres of NU’s history,” he said. He explained that Pesantren Tambakberas is closely associated with the figure of Kiai Haji Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, one of the founders and main drivers of the NU organisation. “Holding the congress at this location is a form of tabarrukan (seeking blessings) as well as retracing the struggle of the founders,” he said. Tajul added that the experience of Pesantren Tambakberas in hosting the highest PBNU forum in 2015 was also a consideration. According to him, that experience provides sufficient managerial capital and guidance for the current local committee. “The existence of several supporting pesantren around Jombang greatly facilitates the smooth running of the event,” said the Deputy Secretary of the National Conference and Congress Steering Committee. Tajul assessed that the technical readiness would make it easier for the committee to organise the 35th NU Congress in August. This includes the distribution of mass concentrations, commission meeting locations, and the provision of supporting facilities.