NU Leader KH Zulfa Mustofa Ready to Run for Chairman if Supported by Regional Boards

Wakil Ketua Umum Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), KH Zulfa Mustofa, has declared his willingness to contend for the chairmanship of the organization at the upcoming 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress. He emphasized that he would not refuse the nomination if it garners significant backing from the Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Boards (PWNU) and Branch Boards (PCNU).

While Kiai Zulfa claims no personal ambition for the top role in the large Islamic organization, he stated he would heed the call from NU leadership in the regions. "If the aspiration from the branches and regions requests it, it is very strong. I cannot refuse," Kiai Zulfa said in a statement released in Jakarta on Saturday.

As the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress approaches, scheduled for August 27-31, 2026, at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in East Java, several figures are being discussed as potential PBNU chairmen, with KH Zulfa Mustofa being one of them.

Support for Kiai Zulfa's potential candidacy has been voiced by KH Abdullah Syamsul Arifin, also known as Gus Aab, the Chairman of the PBNU Da'wah Institute. Gus Aab noted that over recent months, aspirations from various PWNU and PCNU bodies have consistently emerged, urging Kiai Zulfa to participate in the leadership contest for the 35th NU Congress. "Many regional and branch administrators have directly approached Kiai Zulfa in recent months, asking him to take part in the leadership succession process within Nahdlatul Ulama," Gus Aab stated. He added that this support stems from the hope of NU members for a stronger PBNU through organizational renewal. "They express hope for improvements within Nahdlatul Ulama. Kiai Zulfa is seen as an icon of change that NU needs right now," he said.

Echoing this sentiment, KH Taufik Damas, Deputy Secretary of PWNU DKI Jakarta, mentioned that the encouragement for Kiai Zulfa to run for PBNU chairman originates from various levels of NU leadership, including PCNU, PWNU, and within PBNU itself. He clarified that Kiai Zulfa has not formally declared his candidacy but that the aspirations from various administrators continue to surface as the 35th NU Congress nears. However, he stressed that the ultimate decision rests with the congress's voting members. "We will see who steps forward at the Congress. Everything will depend on the aspirations of the regional and branch administrators who hold the mandate," he said.