Several Names Enter the Running for PBNU Chairperson

Several names of prominent clerics and religious figures are being rumoured to be in the running for the position of Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU). The 35th NU Muktamar is scheduled to take place in August 2026.

These names were revealed by Abdussalam Shohib, also known as Gus Salam, the grandson of one of NU’s founders, Bisri Syansuri. Gus Salam stated openly that, based on information he has received, several individuals are preparing to contest the leadership during the upcoming NU Muktamar.

The potential candidates mentioned include himself, the Chairman of the PKB party and Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin), and Zulfa Mustaraksa, who previously served as Acting Chairperson of PBNU. Other names circulating include the leader of Pondok Pesantren API Tegalrejo, Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori (Gus Yusuf), and the incumbent Chairperson, Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya).