PBNU Congress Urged to Become a Moral Correction

Issues of integrity within the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) have surfaced ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress scheduled for this year. These concerns are feared to erode public trust in PBNU. Young NU figure Khalilur R Abdullah Sahlawiy, or Gus Lilur, stated that the congress must not merely serve as a forum for leadership transitions. Gus Lilur wants the congress to become a momentum for restoring the organisation’s moral direction. “If it’s just changing people without changing values, that’s not renewal, but a repetition of old problems. The congress must become an arena for moral correction,” said Gus Lilur in his statement on Thursday (23/4/2026). NU will previously begin the congress series through the National Deliberation (Munas) and Grand Conference (Konbes) in April 2026. PBNU’s Rais Aam, Miftachul Akhyar, views this agenda as an effort to “open a new page” in the organisation’s journey. However, Gus Lilur sees that new page as meaningful only if accompanied by high integrity standards throughout the leadership regeneration process. Gus Lilur promotes the Abuktor (Asal Bukan Koruptor) principle as the minimum threshold in determining future PBNU leaders. “NU is not just an organisation, but a network of social trust for the ummah. If integrity collapses, what’s damaged is not only the structure, but also public trust,” said Gus Lilur. Gus Lilur views that PBNU is currently facing a crisis of trust, one of which is triggered by hajj governance issues. Although the legal process is still ongoing, he says the impact is already felt in public perception. “In this context, officials who are indicated or implicated in corrupt practices ethically do not have a strong basis to continue leadership,” said Lilur. Lilur also worries about the potential for money politics practices in the lead-up to the congress. Lilur is concerned if resources are used to buy support because it only tarnishes the dignity of the ulama forum. “If the Congress turns into a transaction arena, NU loses its soul. That’s what must be prevented,” said Lilur. Gus Lilur emphasised that NU has the opportunity to lose social legitimacy if not accompanied by an integrity commitment. “So before talking about who leads, ensure one thing first: the leader is clean. Abuktor is not a slogan, but a minimum requirement,” said Gus Lilur. In addition, Gus Lilur allows the involvement of various groups to take roles in PBNU as long as they uphold integrity. Lilur hopes that a meritocratic approach is prioritised in determining leadership. “Anyone is welcome, from PMII, HMI, GMNI, even from outside NU, if they have commitment and want to serve. The important thing is one: clean and integrity. The 2026 Congress must become a turning point to restore public trust and reaffirm NU as a moral force,” said Lilur.