Nahdlatul Ulama’s 2026 Muktamar faces leadership contest and elite rift

Gus Kikin, grandson of NU founder KH Hasyim Asy’ari, announced his readiness to run for chair of the Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) at the 35th Muktamar, scheduled for 27‑31 August 2026 in Tambakberas. He said the assignment came from the East Java regional board and stressed the need to revive the Qonun Asasi NU as a guiding principle, adding, “Jika memang ditugaskan ya saya terima, saya siap.”

Former PBNU chair Robikin Emhas warned that the upcoming Muktamar should not be seen merely as a leadership election but as a moment to evaluate the organization’s trajectory. He criticised current elite conflicts, stating, “Marwah NU telah tercabik‑cabik hanya karena konflik elite PBNU,” and urged members to refocus on serving the broader community.