Prabowo: For the Nation to Rise and Be Secure, It Must Stay Close to NU and Muhammadiyah

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the importance of close relations between the government and the Islamic mass organisations Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah. He said both organisations are national assets that play a major role in maintaining security while also driving Indonesia’s progress.

“What Gus Yahya said is very true, as is what Kiai Hasib said. If this nation wants to rise and be secure, the government, the umara, must always be close to Nahdlatul Ulama and also Muhammadiyah,” Prabowo said while opening the 35th NU Congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, on Thursday (27/8/2026).

Prabowo described NU and Muhammadiyah as very significant national assets. He said the support of both organisations cannot be separated from his journey to being entrusted with the presidency of the Republic of Indonesia.

“Nahdlatul Ulama is a very, very significant national asset, the same as Muhammadiyah, don’t forget. So if I, as president, as the people’s mandate holder, clearly without the support of NU and Muhammadiyah it would not have been possible for me to become the people’s mandate holder,” he said.

Prabowo therefore affirmed his commitment to strengthening and empowering NU, including the pesantren within the NU community, as well as Muhammadiyah.

“And I have no hesitation; I keep thinking about how to grow, strengthen and empower Nahdlatul Ulama, the pesantren of Nahdlatul Ulama, and Muhammadiyah,” he said.