PBNU Selects Logo for 35th NU Congress Designed by Langitan Alumnus

The Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) has designated the logo for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress as the official identity of the organisation’s highest consultative forum. The design is the work of M Shofa Ulum Azmi, an alumnus of the Langitan Islamic Boarding School in Tuban, East Java. The logo’s selection is a notable milestone, extending the legacy of contributions from the Langitan Islamic Boarding School, which was founded in 1852, in producing ulama and cadres who have consistently served the organisation from before NU’s establishment into its second century. Logo designer M Shofa Ulum Azmi revealed that the visual concept originated from a simple sketch that evolved into a symbol of leadership harmony within NU. He explained that the design began as a rough sketch forming two circles as its main construction, which he interprets as symbols of the Syuriyah and Tanfidziyah councils working in harmony to carry out Nahdlatul Ulama’s service. Shofa added that the logo, representing a mutually reinforcing relationship akin to a father and son, was completed overnight before being refined through several finishing stages. This tradition of service has been passed down through generations of the pesantren’s caregivers, from KH Muhammad Khozin in NU’s early days to KH Abdul Hadi Zahid and KH Abdullah Faqih, who once served as a PBNU Mustasyar. The baton of service is now carried by KH Ma’shum Faqih, who serves as PBNU Deputy Secretary-General, marking the first time a kiai from Langitan Pesantren has sat on the PBNU Tanfidziyah board. KH Ma’shum Faqih assessed that the logo’s selection proves the pesantren in Widang District continues to produce tangible contributions to the organisation in various fields, including through the creative works of its alumni. He noted that service to NU is not always manifested through structural positions but can also be expressed through ideas, innovation, and creativity that bring broad benefits to all nahdliyin members.