Opening NU's 35th Congress, Prabowo: Never Erase the Services of the Ulama

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed deep respect for the kiai and ulama for their great service and role in the journey of the Indonesian nation. The head of state recalled the important role of the ulama, kiai, and pesantren in defending Indonesia’s independence.

According to him, although Indonesia’s independence was proclaimed in Jakarta, the struggle to defend that independence faced one of its greatest tests in the battle of Surabaya in 1945. The battle to expel the Dutch colonialists was galvanised by the ulama. For this reason, Prabowo wished to convey special respect to the kiai and ulama.

“Because Indonesia’s independence was indeed proclaimed in Jakarta. But Indonesia’s independence was tested in Surabaya. And in the Battle of Surabaya, October, November 1945, the role of the ulama, the role of the kiai, the role of the pesantren was very great,” Prabowo said when opening the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School, Jombang Regency, East Java Province, Thursday (27/8/2026).

From that history of struggle, Prabowo then introduced the term “Jas Hijau” (green jacket). The expression was delivered with reference to “Jas Merah” (red jacket), known as Bung Karno’s message to never forget history. Through “Jas Hijau”, he invited the entire Indonesian nation to always remember the services of the ulama.

“Therefore, I would like, if I am not mistaken Bung Karno said jas merah. Never once forget history. I would like to convey jas hijau. Never once forget the services of the ulama,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo’s respect was not only directed at ulama who are widely known to the public. He specifically expressed appreciation to the kiai in various corners of the archipelago who have dedicated themselves within society, even though their work is not always visible or in the spotlight.

“Thank you to all the ulama. The famous ones as well as the village kiai, whose names may never appear on television. But every day they guard the morals of our children,” Prabowo said.

According to Prabowo, the dedication of the ulama and kiai has important meaning in maintaining the life of society. From the villages, he continued, they continue to nurture harmony, maintain peace, and pray for the nation without expecting anything in return from the state.

“Maintaining harmony among the faithful and between faiths. Maintaining peace in the villages. And praying for the nation without asking anything from the state. Thank you. My respect to all the ulama,” Prabowo said.

Before the participants of NU’s 35th Congress, Prabowo also expressed gratitude to the entire NU family, from the kiai, nyai, to the male and female santri. He affirmed that the strength and harmony of NU have important meaning for the strength and unity of Indonesia.

“Thank you Nahdlatul Ulama, thank you to the kiai, thank you to the nyai, thank you to the santri and santriwati. If NU is strong, it means Indonesia is strong. If NU is harmonious, Indonesia is harmonious. If NU is wise, Indonesia is dignified,” Prabowo said.