President Prabowo Recalls Clerics' Role in Indonesia's Independence at NU Congress

President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java, marking a significant gathering for one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations.

During his opening address, President Prabowo underscored the profound historical connection between NU and Indonesia's journey to independence. He emphasized that the values of nationalism and love for the homeland were cultivated within pesantren communities and by NU clerics long before the nation officially declared its independence in 1945.

"The spirit of nationalism and love for the homeland had grown in the pesantren environment long before Indonesia's independence," President Prabowo stated. He cited the song 'Syubbanul Wathon' (The Homeland's Youth), composed by KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, as a powerful testament to the strong nationalistic sentiment prevalent among NU's religious scholars and their followers in the pre-independence era.

The opening ceremony, which included the traditional beating of a drum by the President, was met with a warm reception, including from the Rais Aam of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Miftachul Akhyar. The congress is set to address key agendas, including the ratification of commission results and the election of the new Rais Aam and Chairman of PBNU for the 2026–2031 term.

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The spirit of nationalism and love for the homeland had grown in the pesantren environment long before Indonesia's independence.