Indonesian NU Congress Closing Ceremony May Move to Bangkalan if President Attends
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Indonesian Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization plans to hold the closing ceremony of its National Congress (Munas) and Grand Conference (Konbes) in Bangkalan, Madura, if President Prabowo Subianto attends.
- Bangkalan was chosen for its symbolic significance as the birthplace of Syaichona Kholil, an influential figure in NU's history.
- The location shift from the planned opening in Bangkalan to the closing ceremony is due to President Prabowo's schedule, with the opening now set to take place in Kediri.
The Indonesian Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization is planning a symbolic shift for the closing ceremony of its National Congress (Munas) and Grand Conference (Konbes). The event is slated to be held in Bangkalan, Madura, provided that President Prabowo Subianto can attend on June 23.
So it's symbolic. Between Syaichona Kholil and those in East Java with the pesantren, it becomes one unit.
Mohammad Nuh, the chief steering committee chairman, explained that Bangkalan holds significant historical and spiritual value for NU as the birthplace of Syaichona Kholil, a revered scholar who profoundly influenced the organization. This choice aims to create a symbolic connection between the historical roots of NU in East Java and its contemporary activities.
So if that's the case, we moved it. What was originally the opening in Bangkalan is now the closing in Bangkalan. It's that simple.
Initially, the Munas and Konbes were scheduled to open in Bangkalan on June 20, with an invitation extended to President Prabowo. However, due to the president's prior commitments, his attendance became possible only on the closing day. Consequently, NU decided to move the Bangkalan event from the opening to the closing ceremony, while the opening will proceed as planned at the Al Falah Ploso Kediri Islamic boarding school in East Java.
No, no, no, that myth is just from the kids. No, it's purely about the schedule.
Nuh dismissed speculation that the change was influenced by Prabowo's camp or any local myths regarding visits to Kediri. He emphasized that the decision was purely based on scheduling logistics. The organization is awaiting final confirmation regarding President Prabowo's attendance for the closing ceremony in Bangkalan.
This is still in coordination, in confirmation. Hopefully, the time will allow. But PBNU, through a meeting, has decided to invite the President on June 23 in Bangkalan Regency.
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.