# NU 2026 Muktamar prep and leadership contest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nahdlatul-ulama-2026-conference-preparations > Updated: 2026-08-12T09:06:25.000Z. Sources: 43. Developments: 24. Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is intensifying preparations for its 35th Muktamar (27–31 August 2026, Jombang) at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas. As the congress approaches, the focus has shifted toward establishing rigorous leadership criteria and ensuring organizational independence. Prominent figures have called for a leader with a proven record and measurable programs. Activists have outlined nine specific criteria for the next PBNU chair, including the ability to unite factions, strong pesantren roots, and independence from political parties. There are growing calls to ensure the leadership remains a constructive civil-society force that maintains an “ideal distance from the circles of power” to avoid becoming a political mouthpiece for the government. Internal tensions have also surfaced; KH Faris Fuad Hasyim warned that unprecedented mutual dismissals of senior officials between Rais Aam KH Miftachul Akhyar and PBNU chair KH Yahya Cholil Staquf stem from an overly structural management approach. To mitigate this, there are calls to strengthen the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) body to ensure a criteria-based selection process. Regarding the leadership contest, candidates such as KH Abdussalam Shohib (Gus Salam) and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) remain prominent. Meanwhile, local leaders have urged Prof. KH Nasaruddin Umar to consider a candidacy. Logistically, the organization has registered 501 branch structures as temporary participants. Preparatory activities, such as the ‘Bahtsul Masail’ forum in Depok, continue as the organization seeks to navigate rapid social and technological changes. ## Claims - The 35th Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama will be held from 27 to 31 August 2026 in Jombang, East Java. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Muktamar will elect a new Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) chair. (corroborated by 3 sources) - PBNU released the first stage of the Temporary Participant List (DPS) with 501 branch structures: 31 PWNU, 456 PCNU and 14 PCINU. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Each listed structure may send four delegates (ra’is, katib, ketua, sekretaris) to the Muktamar. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Corrections to the DPS are accepted until 6 August 2026; DPS Stage II will be announced on 7 August 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Hatim Gazali identified nine criteria for the prospective PBNU leader, including unity, pesantren roots, experience, national and global vision, political independence, civil‑society role, support for (corroborated by 2 sources) - Prof. Hanief Saha Ghafur expects the Muktamar to select PBNU leaders who are successful and have the best programs. (single source) - Hanief urges candidates to present their vision, program, targets and performance indicators publicly. (single source) - KH Faris Fuad Hasyim says internal conflict in PBNU is caused by an overly structural management approach. (single source) - Mutual dismissals of senior PBNU officials, including the Rais Aam and the chair, are unprecedented in NU history. (single source) - Hanief calls for strengthening the AHWA body to make NU leadership selection a rigorous, criteria‑based process. (single source) - AHWA is tasked with selecting the highest NU leader, including the Rais Aam and the PBNU chair. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Nahdlatul Ulama leaders call for independent leadership ahead of 35th Muktamar Ahead of the 35th NU Muktamar in August 2026, leaders and activists are calling for independent leadership rooted in pesantren traditions and free from practical political influence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-leaders-call-for-independent-leadership-ahead-of-35th-muktamar ### 2026-08-08: Nahdlatul Ulama prepares for 35th Muktamar and leadership election Leading up to the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar in Jombang, several candidates including Gus Salam and Gus Kikin have emerged for the PBNU leadership election. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-prepares-for-35th-muktamar-leadership-election ### 2026-08-06: Nahdlatul Ulama Prepares for 35th Muktamar with Leadership Talks and Digital Initiatives PBNU leaders discuss leadership criteria, digital transformation, and regional outreach ahead of the 35th Muktamar, with calls for managerial skills and unity. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gus-salam-visits-pwnu-sulawesi-tengah-to-strengthen-nu-ties-and-promote-community-development ### 2026-08-02: Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama Holds 35th Muktamar in Jombang, Sets Leadership Criteria and Registers 501 Delegates NU's 35th Muktamar in Jombang (27‑31 Aug 2026) will elect a new PBNU chair, set nine leadership criteria, list 501 participants, and involve santri volunteers. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-to-choose-new-leader-at-35th-muktamar-in-jombang ### 2026-07-31: Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama prepares for 35th Muktamar, urges capable leadership NU's 35th Muktamar (27‑31 Aug 2026, Jombang) calls for proven leaders, warns of internal conflict, and pushes for stronger AHWA selection criteria. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesias-nahdlatul-ulama-prepares-for-35th-muktamar-urges-capable-leadership ### 2026-07-28: NU’s 35th Muktamar scheduled for Aug 27‑31 2026 in Jombang, Indonesia NU’s 35th Muktamar will take place 27‑31 Aug 2026 in Jombang; a final site plan maps 26 venues, and analysis notes Minister Nasaruddin Umar’s strong backing from Ministry of Religious Affairs and PTKIN networks 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nus-35th-muktamar-scheduled-for-aug-2731-2026-in-jombang-indonesia ### 2026-07-26: Nahdlatul Ulama holds spiritual rally ahead of 35th Muktamar NU convened a dhikr rally for its 35th Muktamar, praying for Indonesia’s safety while calling for visionary, ethical leadership amid modern challenges. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-holds-spiritual-rally-ahead-of-35th-muktamar ### 2026-07-25: Nahdlatul Ulama’s 2026 Muktamar faces leadership contest and elite rift Gus Kikin announced his candidacy for PBNU chair ahead of the 2026 Muktamar, while former chair Robikin Emhas warned the congress is being torn by elite conflicts. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulamas-2026-muktamar-faces-leadership-contest-and-elite-rift ### 2026-07-21: Nahdlatul Ulama readies 2026 Muktamar, debates leadership succession NU’s 2026 Muktamar will elect a new PBNU chief, with grassroots backing for Gus Irfan amid calls for conflict‑free, regenerative leadership. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-readies-2026-muktamar-debates-leadership-succession ### 2026-07-20: NU's 35th Muktamar in Jombang Gears Up Transport and Backs KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz for PBNU Chair NU's 35th Muktamar in Jombang readies transport with golf carts, Innova cars and electric rickshaws, while PWNU Jatim backs KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz for PBNU chair. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nus-35th-muktamar-in-jombang-gears-up-transport-and-backs-kh-abdul-hakim-mahfudz-for-pbnu-chair ### 2026-07-19: Gus Yusuf Gains Support from 22 Central Java NU Branches for PBNU Chair Race Twenty‑two Central Java Nahdlatul Ulama branches back Gus Yusuf to run for PBNU chair, citing his pesantren experience and call for unifying, service‑focused leadership. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gus-yusuf-gains-support-from-22-central-java-nu-branches-for-pbnu-chair-race ### 2026-07-18: Nahdlatul Ulama rallies leaders and youth ahead of 35th Muktamar NU leaders urge environmental action, endorse Imam Jazuli for PBNU chair, and call for inclusive dialogue ahead of the 35th Muktamar. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nu-pushes-youth-leadership-and-policy-dialogue-in-east-java ### 2026-07-15: Nahdlatul Ulama leadership crisis before 35th Muktamar Nahdlatul Ulama faces a leadership crisis ahead of its 35th Muktamar, with internal disputes over a Maslahah compass, a controversial Peter Berkowitz lecture, and the removal and reinstatement of PBNU chair Gus 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-leadership-crisis-before-35th-muktamar ### 2026-07-14: Gus Yahya to Seek PBNU Chair, Rejects Claims of Presidential Backing Ahead of 35th NU Congress Gus Yahya will run again for PBNU chair at the 35th NU Congress, denies any presidential endorsement, and says Congress preparations are complete. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gus-yahya-announces-bid-to-remain-pbnu-chair-amid-pkb-leader-critique ### 2026-07-12: Gus Yahya to Run Again for PBNU Chair Ahead of 2026 Jombang Muktamar Gus Yahya will run again for PBNU chair at the 35th Muktamar in Jombang (27‑31 Aug 2026), citing unfinished promises he wants to fulfil. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gus-yahya-to-run-again-for-pbnu-chair-ahead-of-2026-jombang-muktamar ### 2026-07-12: Nahdlatul Ulama prepares for 35th Muktamar in Jombang NU's 35th Muktamar will convene in Jombang (Aug 27‑31 2026) with >3,000 attendees; leaders stress strategic planning for a post‑conflict global order. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-prepares-for-35th-muktamar-in-jombang ### 2026-07-07: Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas chosen as host for Nahdlatul Ulama’s 35th Muktamar NU has selected Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas in Jombang as host for its 35th Muktamar, scheduled for late August 2026, with preparations underway for 6,000 attendees. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nu-selects-historic-jombang-pesantren-as-venue-for-35th-muktamar ### 2026-07-06: Nahdlatul Ulama gears up for 35th Muktamar with Lirboyo poised as venue and leadership criteria defined NU deems Lirboyo in Kediri ready to host its 35th Muktamar (1‑5 Aug 2026) and outlines Rais Aam criteria, naming nine senior ulama for the AHWA selection panel. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-gears-up-for-35th-muktamar-with-lirboyo-poised-as-venue-and-leadership-criteria-defi ### 2026-07-05: Nahdlatul Ulama factions demand total PBNU overhaul and push for 35th Muktamar in Jakarta NU regional and branch leaders demand a total PBNU reform and want the 35th Muktamar held in Jakarta, citing internal conflicts and urging a shift toward professional involvement. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-leaders-call-for-internal-reform-and-clearer-political-role ### 2026-06-28: Gus Salam Seeks PBNU Chairmanship to Promote Reconciliation KH Abdussalam Shohib (Gus Salam) announced his candidacy for PBNU chair, citing a directive from senior NU leader KH Nurul Huda Djazuli to unite the organization and uphold pesantren values ahead of the 35th MU 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gus-salam-seeks-pbnu-chairmanship-to-promote-reconciliation ### 2026-06-28: Nahdlatul Ulama pushes governance reforms ahead of 2026 Muktamar NU members urged greater transparency and professional governance of PBNU ahead of the 2026 Muktamar, while Gus Lilur criticized language accuracy in official speeches, reflecting heightened grassroots scrutiny 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-pushes-governance-reforms-ahead-of-2026-muktamar ### 2026-06-27: Nahdlatul Ulama leaders' feud fuels member discontent Gus Lilur warns that NU members deplore a leadership feud in PBNU, split between two factions, and calls for a unifying leader at the 35th NU Congress. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-leaders-feud-fuels-member-discontent ### 2026-06-23: Nahdlatul Ulama conference in Kediri erupts into shoving over Muktamar venue A NU plenary in Kediri erupted into shoving on June 22 as members debated the 35th Muktamar venue, with leaders affirming the location remains undecided. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-conference-in-kediri-erupts-into-shoving-over-muktamar-venue ### 2026-06-19: Nahdlatul Ulama's Munas-Konbes 2026 convenes across Indonesia NU's Munas-Konbes 2026 opened at Al‑Falah Ploso, discussing Muktamar prep, mining, AHWA, Hajj funds and reforms; senior ulama stress tradition, politics warned, closing set for Bangkalan with President Prabowo. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nahdlatul-ulama-prepares-2026-munas-konbes-president-prabowo-to-attend-cirebon-eyed-as-host --- Cite as: NU 2026 Muktamar prep and leadership contest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nahdlatul-ulama-2026-conference-preparations