President scheduled to open 35th NU Congress in Jombang

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to open the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress on 27 August 2026 in Jombang Regency, East Java.

Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) and Chairman of the 35th NU Congress Organising Committee, said in Jombang on Monday that the President is scheduled to attend the congress opening.

“God willing, the President will come to open the Congress on 27 August,” he said.

Gus Ipul said the President’s presence is expected to increase the number of people coming to Jombang, both congress participants and NU members from various regions.

The increased mobility is expected to affect traffic flow around the event venues, including the pesantren area and several locations hosting the 35th NU Congress.

“PBNU apologises if during the Congress there are traffic diversions or possible congestion. We apologise to the public, especially those around the pesantren,” he said.

“We thank the police, regional government, governor, regent, and especially the community around the pesantren who have helped and supported the Congress preparations from the outset,” he said.

In the final preparations, Saifullah together with the Chairman of the Local Committee for the 35th NU Congress, K.H. Abdurrozaq Sholeh or Gus Rozaq, checked the readiness of participant rooms in Tower 5 of Universitas KH. A. Wahab Hasbullah (UNWAHA), Jombang.

Gus Ipul also placed room allocation stickers for congress participants. Afterwards, he led a briefing for the committee members who will serve participants at Tower 5 UNWAHA.

He reminded the committee that the 35th NU Congress holds special meaning because it is held within the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School, which is connected to the history of NU’s founders.

“We are returning to the embrace of the muassis (founders). Therefore, let us exert all our abilities. We hope to receive blessings from this Congress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Local Committee for the 35th NU Congress K.H. Abdurrozaq Sholeh invited all committee members to treat the opportunity to host the congress as a moment to serve the kiai and ulama as well as possible.

“In another hundred years, the Congress may not return to Tambakberas. Therefore, let us be serious about serving the ulama. Let our intentions be set right, with sincere intentions,” he said.

According to Gus Rozaq, the holding of the 35th NU Congress will make Tambakberas a centre of attention for Nahdliyin from various regions, including from abroad.

“The whole world will look at Tambakberas. Therefore, let us show our best service to the kiai, ulama, and all congress participants,” he said.