Prabowo feels at home within NU, cites lifelong closeness

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that he always feels comfortable within the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) community, citing a closeness with the organisation that dates back to his childhood. ‘Indeed, I always feel comfortable among the large Nahdlatul Ulama family. Comfortable and safe, I feel safe. The welcome extended to me was so great. I have known the large NU family since I was little,’ Prabowo said at the closing of the 2026 NU National Conference of Religious Scholars and Grand Conference in Bangkalan Regency, East Java, on Tuesday. The President explained that his closeness to NU is inseparable from his family background and long-standing relationships. Prabowo mentioned that he was once neighbours with the family of the late President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, in Jakarta, and that his grandmother also hailed from an NU background. He assessed NU as a religious organisation with a strong character in safeguarding the values of nationalism and patriotism. According to him, love for the homeland has been part of NU’s tradition since before Indonesia’s independence, reflected in the consistent singing of the song ‘Syubbanul Wathan’ at the organisation’s events. ‘I notice the song Syubbanul Wathan is never not sung. Thank you. Even when singing, their hands are clenched in a fist, this is extraordinary. Before Kopassus existed, NU was already doing this. The TNI has a command salute in photos. NU had this command salute before independence,’ Prabowo said with a smile, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. On the occasion, Prabowo also expressed his appreciation for the invitation and the welcome extended by the NU community at the closing of the event. He considered that NU has always been present when the Indonesian nation faces difficult situations and acts as a stabilising factor that helps maintain the security of the nation and state. The President said that the kiai and ulama within NU are figures who are close to the community, especially in rural areas, so they directly understand the conditions and needs of the people. Prabowo conveyed that there is a close connection between religious scholars, the government, the military, and the police because all these elements come from the people and understand the people’s feelings.