PBNU Chairman Reminds Congress Participants to Set Aside Personal Interests

KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, the General Chairman of Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), has urged participants of the 35th NU Congress to focus on the organization's greater good rather than personal or group agendas. Speaking in Jombang, he stressed that the congress proceedings should be dedicated to serving Nahdlatul Ulama.

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We are here to serve Nahdlatul Ulama, not to seek personal interests.

"We are here to serve Nahdlatul Ulama, not to seek personal interests," stated Gus Yahya, as he is known. He reminded attendees that NU is a religious and societal organization, and thus, its leadership selection must embody religious values. He cautioned against un-Islamic conduct within a religious organization, emphasizing the need for appropriate behavior.

Gus Yahya specifically warned against the practice of "money politics" and transactional dealings during the election process. He invoked the spirit of KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah, a founder of NU, whose tomb is located at the congress venue, Pesantren Tambakberas. Gus Yahya encouraged participants to show respect for the revered figure by conducting themselves appropriately.

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So we are here taking care of religion. This is a religious organization. It should be appropriate. How can we take care of religion with un-religious behavior, that is not appropriate.

The 35th NU Congress, running from August 27-30, 2026, carries the theme "Maintaining Dignity, Enriching Service for the Nation's Welfare." The event was officially opened by President Prabowo Subianto and attended by numerous prominent figures, including Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, former Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla and KH Ma’ruf Amin, and various legislative leaders and NU officials.

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Let us always remember that we are holding this congress, we are awaited by Kiai Abdul Wahab Hasbullah. So please, feel a little bit shy in front of Kiai Wahab.