Reading the NU Leadership Candidate Pairs at the 35th NU Congress

Jakarta, VIVA – HRM Khalilur R Abdullah Sahlawiy, or Gus Lilur, has revealed developments ahead of the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). He explained that normatively, the Rais Aam is selected through the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) mechanism. However, in the reality of internal politics, the composition of AHWA is not entirely sterile. “It is often conditioned, influenced, and even arranged through relationships and interests involving the prospective Rais Aam and General Chairman candidates,” said Gus Lilur in a written statement on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. He added that the direction of AHWA’s choices is inseparable from the initial configuration formed by the main actors. This information, he said, must be read as part of the still dynamic internal dynamics. However, in organisational political analysis, it indicates that the AHWA composition has become a highly determining strategic arena. “According to the prevailing narrative, both kyai are perceived to have a tendency to choose Said Aqil Siradj as Rais Aam, while Gus Ipul desires Miftachul Akhyar to remain in that position,” he stated. In his view, there is a contest at the 35th NU Congress in the selection space, which has even been ongoing long before in the determination spaces that have the right to vote. If this dynamic is drawn more broadly, then as of today—and it can still change until the Congress takes place—the composition of the competition for NU leadership ‘candidate pairs’ can be read as follows. First, Yahya Cholil Staquf remains in the position of running for General Chairman. However, he is still in the process of finding the right partner for the Rais Aam position. Second, Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul is in the position of maintaining himself as General Secretary, with a tendency to push Miftachul Akhyar as Rais Aam, while still seeking an ideal configuration for the General Chairman position. “Third, there is a network overlapping with the National Awakening Party that is pushing a certain General Chairman scheme with Said Aqil Siradj as Rais Aam,” he said. Fourth, there is also an interpretation of a network overlapping with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which is considering the figure of the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nazaruddin Umar, as a candidate for General Chairman, while the Rais Aam position remains open for configuration.