Surprise from Gus Salam at IKA PMII Jombang's Halal bi Halal Event
The Halal bi Halal event of the Pengurus Cabang (PC) Ikatan Alumni Pergerakan Mahasiswa Muslim Indonesia (IKA PMII) Jombang, themed “Strengthening Service for the Ummah and Nation”, was abuzz with excitement and surprises.
The surprise came from KH Abdussalam Shohib, alias Gus Salam. His presence amid the NU community was seen as a shock.
This was because that day he was delivering a religious lecture at Pesantren Alfalah Ploso, Kediri.
Appearing in a light blue-grey shirt with a soft and calm nuance paired with a batik mataraman-patterned sarong, Gus Salam created another surprise by introducing himself as a candidate for Chairman of PBNU.
The IKA PMII audience erupted in applause and cheers that echoed through the meeting room.
“I have been ordered by my kiai to strive to become the Chairman of PBNU in the 35th NU Congress in August-September later,” said Gus Salam on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
He added, “This is about intention, setting the intention to run as a candidate for General Chairman of PBNU. And, I obey and comply in carrying out the orders and striving maximally to fulfil the commands of my teachers, elders, and the masyayikh of the pesantren and NU.”
On the other hand, Gus Salam did not explain the reasons behind the kiai’s orders or his teachers regarding the candidacy for Chairman of PBNU. According to him, NU intellectuals and Nahdliyyin surely already know and even understand the general condition of PBNU and NU in recent years.
“On this occasion, in front of the kiai and NU intellectuals, I only ask for prayers of blessing and advice. And, I hope for input, suggestions, and opinions for the smoothness of fulfilling the order to advance as General Chairman of PBNU,” Gus Salam emphasised.
On the same occasion, the Chairman of PC IKA PMII Jombang, KH Amir Maliki Abi Thalchah, appreciated Gus Salam’s good intention to run as a candidate for General Chairman of PBNU at the upcoming 35th Muktamar.
Prof Amir recounted that as the son of the late Mustasyar PBNU, he has always been active in every NU Congress event.
“The spirit of NU returning to its descendants needs to be reflected in accordance with the context and its objectives. NU now is battered because of the actions of its leaders. Therefore, NU must be returned to its line of struggle, and consolidate NU exponents to strengthen the structure and restore the pride of Nahdliyyin towards the organisation,” said Prof Amir.