Saifullah Yusuf: PBNU focuses on consolidation preparations for the 35th Muktamar
Surabaya — The Secretary-General of Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2022–2027 term, Saifullah Yusuf, has stated that PBNU is currently focusing on organisational consolidation to prepare for the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar, scheduled to take place in mid-2026.
“Everything is currently undergoing consolidation in preparation for the Muktamar. Our focus is now entirely on the Muktamar, planned for July or August,” said Gus Ipul, his familiar name, whilst attending a breaking of the fast gathering at the PWNU East Java building in Surabaya on Sunday.
He explained that Muktamar preparations encompass internal organisational consolidation and administrative verification of the leadership structures entitled to participate in the organisation’s highest forum.
Beyond organisational consolidation, Yusuf stated that PBNU is capitalising on the opportunity for courtesy visits with senior Islamic scholars to seek their blessings ahead of the Muktamar.
The courtesy visit agenda includes meetings with numerous senior kiai at various Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in East Java.
“After that, I usually continue with visits to several scholars, particularly senior kiai such as those at Ploso, Lirboyo, Kiai Hamid in Pasuruan, Kiai Fuad in Sidogiri, and several others to seek their blessings,” he said.
Regarding the venue for the Muktamar, he stated that this remains under discussion and has not yet been decided, as it must follow organisational meeting procedures.
“The venue has not yet been determined. There are several options, but it will be decided through the formal meeting process,” he said.
Separately, Yusuf, who also serves as Indonesia’s Minister of Social Affairs, stated that PBNU has established a verification panel tasked with verifying leadership documentation to ensure that those entitled to participate in the Muktamar are properly registered.
The panel, he continued, is chaired by Muhammad Nuh as part of PBNU’s Syuriah council and includes several other board members.
“This team is responsible for reviewing all documents related to leadership decision letters, as this concerns who is entitled to participate in the Muktamar,” Gus Ipul said.
Furthermore, he emphasised that Muktamar participants must come from legitimate leadership positions with documents fully signed by the Rais Aam, Ketua Umum, Katib Aam, and Sekretaris Jenderal.
“Those entitled to participate are those who are fully signed, namely by the Rais Aam, Ketua Umum, Katib Aam, and Sekjen,” he said.
On this occasion, he also urged all branch and regional board members to focus attention on the preparation stages leading to the Muktamar to ensure smooth implementation.
“Once again, I urge all branch officials and regional officials, let us focus our energy on preparing for the Muktamar,” he said.