History of Nahdlatul Ulama's Muktamar

The Muktamar, the highest deliberative body of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), boasts a rich history that extends beyond mere organizational meetings. It has consistently served as a pivotal moment for NU to address pressing religious and societal challenges throughout Indonesia.

The inaugural Muktamar took place in Surabaya on October 21, 1926, shortly after NU's establishment. Initially held in Surabaya for its first three gatherings, subsequent Muktamars gradually shifted westward across Java, including Semarang, Pekalongan, Cirebon, Bandung, and Jakarta. The tradition continued with meetings in Banyuwangi and later became more geographically diverse, with the first Muktamar outside Java held in Banjarmasin in 1936.

Historically, the location of the Muktamar was often strategically chosen to align with NU's mission to support Muslim communities. For instance, the Semarang Muktamar in 1929 addressed internal divisions within the Syarikat Islam, while the Pekalongan Muktamar in 1930 aimed to de-escalate ethnic tensions. The Cirebon Muktamar in 1931 focused on resolving religious disagreements among Muslims, and the Bandung Muktamar in 1932 was part of NU's expansion strategy in the Priangan region.

Beyond the formal proceedings, Muktamars have always been vibrant events for NU members. Large public rallies, often held in major mosques or open fields, have been a hallmark, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. These rallies featured prominent religious speakers and contributed to the significant public engagement surrounding the organization's highest decision-making forum.