Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School Selected as Venue for NU's 35th Congress

The central board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has officially selected Pondok Pesantren Tambakberas in Jombang, East Java, to host the 35th Muktamar NU, the organization's highest consultative body. The decision was finalized during a joint meeting of PBNU's Syuriyah and Tanfidziyah leadership on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Ahmad Tajul Mafakhir, Katib Syuriyah of PBNU, explained that Tambakberas was chosen for its historical importance, strategic position, and preparedness. "Historically, Tambakberas is one of the epicenters of NU's history," he stated in a phone interview on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The Muktamar, held every five years, serves as a crucial moment for the massive Islamic organization. It is where NU's leadership evaluates performance, charts future programs, and elects new leaders, including the Rais Aam and the General Chairman of PBNU. After two months of discussions regarding the location and schedule, the 35th Muktamar is now confirmed to take place from August 27 to 30, 2026, at Tambakberas.

Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, located in Tambakberas, is one of East Java's oldest pesantren, with origins tracing back to 1825. Currently led by KH Moh Hasib Wahab Chasbullah, known as Gus Hasib, the pesantren is a legacy of Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, a co-founder of NU. Initially a traditional salafiyah pesantren, it transformed in 1966 by adopting a madrasah education system under the Yayasan Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum. This foundation now oversees 18 educational institutions, ranging from early childhood education to higher learning, including Universitas KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah and Institut Agama Islam Bahrul Ulum.

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Historically, Tambakberas is one of the epicenters of NU's history.