HARIANEXPRESS – Tensions rose at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muktamar held in Jombang on Sunday, August 30, 2026, as a group identifying as Nahdliyin Muda se-Indonesia conducted a protest.
The demonstration, held in the area of the Hasbullah Said Multipurpose Building (GSG) at PP Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, was aimed at addressing concerns regarding the election process for the General Chairman of PBNU.
The protesters voiced strong opposition to the use of organizational regulations, known as Perkum, stating it was being unfairly applied to block the candidacies of Gus Yusuf and Gus Salam. They insisted that Perkum should function as a tool for organizational structuring, not as a political instrument to sideline specific candidates.
During the open forum, an orator declared, “We reject any form of using Perkum (Organizational Regulations) as a tool to unilaterally and discriminately obstruct the candidacy of Kiai Haji Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori or Gus Yusuf.” The group emphasized the need for Perkum to be applied justly, openly, and consistently, without retroactive effect or interpretation based on specific group interests.
Seven Demands Presented by Nahdliyin Muda
The Nahdliyin Muda group presented a total of seven demands to the organizing committee, advocating for a fair and transparent electoral process. These demands were articulated during their protest at the Muktamar venue.
The core of their demands revolved around ensuring that the selection of the PBNU Chairman would be free from bias and administrative hurdles that could be used to unjustly disqualify candidates.
Details of the Seven Demands:
- The first demand rejected the use of Perkum as a basis for unilaterally disqualifying Gus Yusuf and Gus Salam, urging for a non-discriminatory nomination process.
- Secondly, they requested that Perkum be returned to its original function as an organizational tool, rather than a means to exclude candidates.
- The third demand called upon the committee to implement organizational provisions fairly, transparently, and consistently, without retroactive application or biased interpretations.
- They further demanded that Gus Yusuf receive official clarification and a proportional opportunity to explain his position before any final decision on his candidacy status.
- The fifth point stressed that the Muktamar, as the highest forum, should not limit the rights of PWNU, PCNU, and PCI NU in selecting PBNU Chairman candidates through non-transparent administrative issues.
- The sixth demand encouraged kiais, ulama, and Muktamar participants to uphold the organization’s honor by ensuring the election was conducted honestly and with dignity, in accordance with AD/ART.
- Finally, the seventh demand called upon NU members, particularly the youth, to critically and peacefully monitor the proceedings of the 35th NU Muktamar, ensuring adherence to organizational mechanisms.
As the protesters attempted to advance, they were reportedly met by a blockade of Banser members. This confrontation occurred amidst the open forum where the demands were being voiced.
