Nahdlatul Ulama conference in Kediri erupts into shoving over Muktamar venue

On June 22, 2026, the plenary session of the National Consultative Assembly of Religious Scholars and the Great Conference of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at Pondok Pesantren Al‑Falah Ploso in Kediri Regency became chaotic. Participants pushed and shoved each other while debating the location for the organization’s 35th Muktamar, scheduled for August 1‑5, 2026.

Rais Aam of PBNU, KH Miftachul Akhyar, intervened, stating that no decision on the host had been finalized and annulling any prior claim that Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo would serve as venue. He declared, "Saya masih di Rais Aam punya hak untuk mencabut, membatalkan keputusan ini (lokasi Muktamar di Lirboyo)." Security staff helped restore order, and the caretaker of Al‑Falah Ploso, KH Muhammad Abdurrahman Al‑Kautsar, urged calm.

Various regions—including Nusa Tenggara Barat, Jawa Barat, Jakarta, and Sumatera Barat—have offered to host the Muktamar. PBNU plans to form a review team to assess proposals based on infrastructure, security, funding, and spiritual criteria before a final decision is made. The incident has prompted calls within the pesantren community for more careful leadership selection and for the NU forum to remain a space for constructive deliberation rather than a battleground for egos.