Young NU Figures Express Hopes for Muktamar Outcomes

Ahead of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar, scheduled to take place from 27–31 August 2026 in Jombang, East Java, various perspectives are emerging regarding the figure deemed worthy of leading the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the upcoming period.

One such perspective comes from a young NU figure, Hatim Gazali. According to him, the Muktlar is not merely a forum for electing a general chairman, but also serves as a vital momentum to determine the organisation’s direction in facing future challenges.

Referring to an Alvara Research Center survey from late 2025, approximately 140 million Indonesians identify themselves as Nahdliyin. Given this scale, Hatim believes that NU’s leadership plays a strategic role in religious, national, and humanitarian life.

Hatim noted that several criteria must be met by the PBNU General Chairman candidate to ensure the organisation can navigate modern dynamics. “Furthermore, an NU leader needs to possess national and global insights, maintain the organisation’s independence by not being part of any political party or holding political office, and be capable of positioning NU as a civil society force that remains both critical and constructive,” Hatim stated in Jakarta on Sunday, 2 August 2026.

In addition to broad insights, he believes the NU leader must be able to act as a unifier within the organisation, possess strong roots within the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) environment, and have extensive experience serving at various levels of management.

Hatim also maintains that future NU leadership must remain aligned with the interests of the community, preserve pesantren traditions, and simultaneously encourage organisational modernisation to address contemporary challenges.

He expressed hope that the elected figure would be able to uphold the organisation’s dignity, strengthen services to Nahdliyin members, and increase NU’s contribution to addressing various national issues.

Furthermore, Hatim hopes that the PBNU Muktamar will proceed smoothly and produce leadership capable of driving NU’s continued development as it enters its second century. He also urged Nahdliyin members to follow the Muktamar process wisely, paying close attention to the track record, integrity, and leadership capacity of the candidates contesting the PBNU General Chairman election.