PBNU Secretary General Reveals Potential Names for General Chairman Position
PBNU Secretary General Saifullah Yusuf stated that there are many potential names for candidates to run as the general chairman of PBNU. One of them is Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar, who previously served as PBNU’s General Secretary.
“One of those with potential is Mr Nasaruddin Umar, who also previously served as General Secretary,” Saifullah said at the Red and White Building of the Corruption Eradication Commission in Jakarta on Friday, 8 May 2026.
Other potential names include the current PBNU General Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf and former PBNU General Chairman Said Aqil Siroj. “They all have potential; it just depends on whether they are willing or not,” he said.
This Social Affairs Minister stated that they have not yet specifically expressed their desire to run as candidates for PBNU general chairman. However, all are given the opportunity. “Everyone is given the chance to nominate themselves,” he said.
Saifullah said the committee is currently preparing various events leading up to the NU Congress. The PBNU Congress to elect the general chairman is planned for August. He hopes that all branches will have several proposals to discuss.
The 35th NU Congress is scheduled to take place from 1 to 5 August 2026. To date, the location for this highest forum of the organisation is still being discussed by the executives.
“The venue has not yet been decided, but preparations are continuously being made,” said Saifullah, who serves as the chairman of the NU Congress organising committee, when met at the Ministry of Social Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
According to him, the committee is continuously preparing for the congress implementation, from compiling materials to registering eligible participants for the forum. He mentioned that agendas before the congress are also being prepared, namely the National Conference of Ulama and the NU Great Conference in June.
“Before the Congress, there will be the Ulama National Conference and the Great Conference to be held in June. The results from the National Conference and Great Conference will serve as material for the upcoming 35th Congress,” Saifullah stated.
In addition to preparing the congress agenda, the executives are finalising regional and branch management decrees that were delayed due to internal organisational dynamics. He assured that the entire decree issuance process is proceeding according to organisational mechanisms.
Regarding the venue, Saifullah said several regions have offered to host. “There are several regions proposing to be the host, such as in NTB, West Sumatra, and several in East Java,” he said.
However, according to Saifullah, the venue determination will still be discussed further, considering accessibility, readiness of facilities and infrastructure, as well as the relatively short preparation time.