Nahdlatul Ulama Prepares for 35th Muktamar with Leadership Talks and Digital Initiatives

Senior Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) figures gathered at a book launch in Jakarta where KH Ma'ruf Amin presented his new work and thanked the many prospective candidates for the upcoming 35th Muktamar, noting the presence of KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, KH Marsudi Syuhud and other senior clerics.

In Central Sulawesi, PBNU candidate KH Abdussalam Shohib (Gus Salam) visited Rais Syuriyah KH Ali Hasan Al Jufri, meeting local PWNU and PCNU leaders and discussing NU’s role in regional development, including potential Islamic‑cooperative finance.

KH Ma'ruf Amin later stressed that any future PBNU chair must embody “al‑ishlah wal‑ishlah,” the ability to reconcile conflicting groups. KH Muhammad Cholil Nafis added that the organization now needs a chair with strong managerial skills to coordinate its many institutions.

The PCNU branch in Tangerang Selatan hosted a public forum on digital disruption, urging NU cadres to develop digital literacy and counter misinformation. Meanwhile, intellectual KH Ahmad Baso criticized recent PBNU leadership for focusing on mining and other business interests rather than community programs.

Prof. Dr. KH Ali Masykur Musa, speaking at an alumni gathering, said he has not declared any intention to contest the chairmanship, emphasizing that leadership decisions belong to the Muktamar and divine will.