Several Pesantrens and PCNU Bid to Host 35th NU Muktamar
The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Grand Board (PBNU) will host the 35th NU Muktamar in August 2026, with the venue yet to be decided. Several parties have begun submitting bids to host the largest Islamic organisation’s muktamar in Indonesia, ranging from Islamic boarding schools (pesantrens) to regional NU branches. One such bidder is Amanatul Ummah Pesantren in Pacet, Mojokerto, which formally submitted a proposal to the chairman of the 35th NU Muktamar committee in Jakarta recently.
Mojokerto Pesantren Proposal
Kiai Asep Saifuddin Chalim stated that his institution is ready to support and ensure the success of NU’s highest forum.
“We hope to be given the opportunity to host the 35th NU Muktamar. Amanatul Ummah is prepared both physically and spiritually to contribute to the success of this major Nahdlatul Ulama gathering,” said Kiai Asep on Monday (25 May).
He stressed that the NU Muktamar is not merely an organisational agenda but a pivotal moment to strengthen community unity, train religious scholars, and shape the direction of Nusantara Islamic civilisation.
“The Muktamar is a strategic forum determining the future direction of Nahdlatul Ulama’s service. Therefore, we wish to contribute by providing top-tier facilities and services for the Nahdliyin community,” he added.
He also deemed Pacet, Mojokerto, highly suitable due to its conducive pesantren environment and accessible location from various regions across Java.
“The pesantren setting offers a spiritual and solemn atmosphere aligned with NU traditions. Moreover, Mojokerto is strategically located and easily accessible,” he said.
Kiai Asep highlighted that the Amanatul Ummah Pesantren complex in Pacet District, Mojokerto Regency, East Java, boasts adequate facilities for national events such as the NU Muktamar.
Key facilities include a three-storey Abdul Chalim Grand Mosque, guest houses, a student centre accommodating around 4,000 participants, a three-storey clinic, ample parking, and multi-storey educational buildings within the pesantren complex.
Supporting facilities also come from the MBI Amanatul Ummah complex, Hikmatul Amanah Junior and Senior High Schools, and KH Abdul Chalim University, which features lecture halls, dormitories, student apartments, mosques, guest houses, and entrepreneurship buildings.
Furthermore, Kiai Asep hopes the 35th NU Muktamar will strengthen brotherhood, organisational consolidation, and NU’s role in preserving national unity.
“We want the NU Muktamar to be a space for unity, a forum for NU’s scholars and top cadres to safeguard Indonesia and nurture the Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah Nahdliyah Islamic tradition,” he said.
PCNU Cirebon Ready to Host
Not only Mojokerto, the Cirebon Regency Nahdlatul Ulama Branch (PCNU) has officially submitted a request to the chairman of the 35th NU Muktamar committee, Syaifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul, to designate the Cirebon Raya area as the venue for the 35th NU Muktamar.
The letter was submitted in response to strong aspirations from Nahdliyin in Cirebon and surrounding areas who wish the largest Islamic organisation’s muktamar to be held in the land of scholars and historic pesantrens.
PCNU Cirebon Regency’s Executive Chairman, KH Aziz Hakim Syaerozi, stated the proposal emerged from a regional consultation involving PCNU representatives from Cirebon Regency, Cirebon City, and Indramayu Regency.
“We have decisively proposed Cirebon Raya as the venue for the 35th NU Muktamar. This is the aspiration of Nahdliyin, all pesantrens, and various groups both within and outside Cirebon,” said KH Aziz Hakim Syaerozi.
He noted Cirebon has numerous supporting factors deemed suitable for hosting NU’s grand event, including historical significance, strong pesantren presence, and infrastructure readiness.
He explained Cirebon has a strong historical connection with NU’s development. Among NU’s founders and prominent figures are KH M Abbas Abdul Jamil and KH Abdullah Abbas from Cirebon. Through their efforts, Cirebon became a pioneering area for NU’s growth in West Java.
Additionally, Cirebon is renowned as a hub of historic pesantrens that have produced thousands of students and scholars across Indonesia. Major pesantrens include Buntet, Babakan, Benda, and Gedongan, all over a century old.
“Cirebon not only has strong NU historical ties but also a deeply rooted pesantren base and Nahdliyin community,” he added.
Regarding facilities, PCNU Cirebon Regency noted Cirebon Raya has over 30 three- to five-star hotels. At least eight major hotels offer over 1,900 rooms and ballrooms capable of accommodating around 6,000 people.
Moreover, accessibility is a key consideration. Cirebon’s strategic location allows access via multiple transport modes, including private vehicles, buses, trains, and a 24-hour operational airport.
“Cirebon’s proximity to the capital and major cities makes it highly suitable for hosting the 35th NU Muktamar,” he said.
KH Aziz hopes the request will be seriously considered by the central committee for the August Muktamar location.