NU Religious Council Meeting Descends into Chaos Over Congress Venue

A religious council meeting of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Kediri, East Java, descended into chaos on June 22, 2026, as participants clashed over the venue for the 35th NU Congress.

The forum, intended for deliberation, became a scene of physical altercations when rumors spread that Lirboyo Islamic boarding school had been chosen as the host location, a decision some attendees deemed premature.

KH Oing Abdul Muid, a leader at Lirboyo Pesantren, expressed concern over the incident, calling it a stark warning for NU to be more cautious in selecting its officials. He stressed that NU's prestige relies not only on its structure but also on the noble character of its leaders, reminding attendees that the organization was founded by scholars.

Gus Muid urged NU to reflect on its cadre selection system, emphasizing that future leaders need not only experience but also integrity, emotional maturity, and commitment to scholarly values. He advocated for greater selectivity in appointments to prevent violence and maintain the pesantren tradition.

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NU is not an ordinary organization. Its honor is maintained not only by its structure but also by the nobility of its movers.