Prabowo at NU Conference: 'In the Palace, Kiai Obey Me'
President Prabowo Subianto joked that religious scholars and leaders (kiai and ulama) obey him when they are at the Presidential Palace. Prabowo made this statement while attending the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) National Conference of Religious Scholars and Grand Conference.
In his speech, the Head of State initially said that all parties must obey religious figures. “Must obey the kiai, when we are here. In the Palace, later the kiai will obey me,” said Prabowo at the Syaichona Mohammad Cholil Islamic Institute, Bangkalan Regency, East Java Province, on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, as broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
Prabowo’s statement was then met with laughter from the participants of the 2026 NU National Conference. The Chairman of the Gerindra Party then stressed the importance of a good relationship between religious leaders and those holding power within the government. “That is what is called ulama and umara (rulers) uniting for the state and nation,” said Prabowo.
On that occasion, Prabowo also joked that the NU community organisation should be made a place to learn politics. Prabowo expressed this while greeting his assistants in the Red and White Cabinet.
Several names who attended this major NU agenda included Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, who also serves as Secretary General of the NU Central Board, and Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, who serves as Chairwoman of the Central Board of Muslimat NU. Also present were Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Nusron Wahid and Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar, who are Nahdlatul Ulama figures. “This Red and White Cabinet has a lot of NU members, yes,” said Prabowo.
The former Defence Minister under President Joko Widodo also praised the religious community organisation. The reason, he said, is that NU cadres are everywhere. Prabowo joked that everyone should learn politics from NU. “NU is indeed great. Always present everywhere. In every party, NU is there. So NU never loses. Great. Actually, one should learn politics from NU,” said Prabowo while laughing.