Senior Kiai Issue Moral Appeal Ahead of 35th NU Congress
A number of senior kiai attended the Forum Silaturahmi Para Kiai at the PBNU Building, 8th floor, Jakarta, on Thursday (20/8/2026). The forum was attended by KH Ma’ruf Amin, KH Abdullah Ubab Maimoen, KH Ali Akbar Marbun, KH Muadz Thohir, KH Ahmad Haris Shodaqoh, KH Athoillah Sholahuddin Anwar, KH Muhyiddin Ishaq, and KH Muhibbul Aman Aly. Also present online were KH Said Aqil Siroj, KH Abdullah Kafabihi Mahrus, KH Ahmad Mustofa Bisri, KH Anwar Manshur, KH Zuhri Zaini, KH Idris Hamid, and KH Nuruzzahri.
Following the forum, Mustasyar of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) KH Ma’ruf Amin stated that the meeting was driven by concern over the dynamics developing ahead of the NU Congress. “There are worrying issues because they are marked by unworthy methods in efforts related to the upcoming Congress,” said Kiai Ma’ruf at the PBNU Building on Thursday (20/8/2026).
Kiai Ma’ruf said that the choice of PBNU as the venue for this meeting was to affirm a moral appeal for the interests of NU, not for the interests of any particular party. Therefore, the 35th NU Congress must not be tarnished by issues, especially regarding the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (Ahwa) mechanism. “Ahwa is the representation of the ulama to elect the Rais Aam, born from conscience,” said Kiai Ma’ruf.
He stated that Ahwa represents the best ulama who have capacity and integrity, not because of entrustment or orders from any party. Kiai Ma’ruf also emphasised that the Congress must proceed in accordance with NU’s ethics and must not be interfered with by any party. The Congress must therefore proceed according to conscience and in accordance with NU’s ethics.
After the forum, the senior kiai delivered seven points of moral appeal for a dignified 35th NU Congress. The appeal was delivered by Rais Syuriyah PBNU, KH Muhibbul Aman Aly. Kiai Muhibbul stated that after maintaining silaturahmi, exchanging views, and observing developments ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress, grounded in a sense of responsibility to safeguard the dignity of the organisation and the welfare of Nahdlatul Ulama, the senior kiai called upon all members and especially the trustees of NU to jointly ensure that the Congress proceeds in a calm, honest, fair, integral and dignified manner.