Nasaruddin Umar, Gus Yahya Among Contenders for PBNU Chairman

The race for the top leadership position within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, is heating up with several prominent figures emerging as potential candidates for the 35th congress.

Saifullah Yusuf, the Secretary General of Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), revealed a list of names being discussed for the chairman's seat for the 2026-2031 term. Among those mentioned are current PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf and Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar. Other potential contenders include Wakil Ketua Umum PBNU Zulfa Mustofa, Pondok Pesantren Mamba’ul Ma’arif leader Abdussalam Shohib, Pondok Pesantren Asrama Perguruan Islam Tegalrejo leader Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori, and East Java NU Regional Chairman Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, also known as Kikin.

A key issue to be addressed at the congress is the regulation concerning PBNU leaders simultaneously holding government positions. This rule, established during the 34th NU congress in Lampung in 2021, will be further deliberated and decided upon by the congress participants. "What happens in the future, we don't know exactly yet, but Jam'iyah Nahdlatul Ulama gives the opportunity to anyone to lead NU in the future," stated Saifullah Yusuf.

Saifullah Yusuf, who also chairs the Organizing Committee for the 35th NU Congress, assured that the election process would be free from any presidential intervention. He expressed confidence that President Prabowo Subianto, who has connections with many NU figures, would trust the congress participants to deliberate according to PBNU's traditions. The congress is scheduled to take place from August 27-30, 2026, at Pesantren Tambakberas in Jombang, East Java, a decision made during a joint meeting of PBNU's Syuriyah and Tanfidziah leadership.