Prabowo Jokingly Asks Gus Yahya for NU Membership Card

President Prabowo Subianto made a light-hearted remark by asking for a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) membership card during the 31st NU Muktamar at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, on Thursday (27/8/2026). The quip was directed at PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya).

“Only Gus Yahya — I have been asking for an NU card for ages,” said Prabowo, drawing laughter from the audience.

Prabowo expressed hope of receiving the NU membership card before the closing of the 35th NU Muktamar on 31 August 2026. He even promised to return for the congress closing if the card were available by then.

“So it is still a debt to me. If possible, before the congress closes. The closing is on the 31st, right? If there is a membership card, I will come again on the 31st,” he said.

Prabowo also affirmed the remarks by Gus Yahya and the Chairman of the Bahrul Ulum Boarding School Board of Caregivers, K.H. Hasib Wahab, who stated that the nation can rise if the government is close to religious leaders.

“What Gus Yahya said is very true, as is what Kyai Hasib said — if this nation wants to rise and be secure, the government and the umara must be close to Nahdlatul Ulama and also Muhammadiyah, ojo lali,” he said.

He also stressed that without the support of NU and Muhammadiyah, he would not have been able to become president. For that reason, Prabowo said he is working to continue growing, strengthening, and empowering both religious organisations.