TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The chaos that happened at the National Consultative Assembly of Religious Scholars and Great Conference Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) 2026 in Pondok Pesantren Al-Falah Ploso, Kediri Regency, on Monday, June 22, 2026, have raised concerns among the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) community. The caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo, KH Oing Abdul Muid, viewed the incident as a stern warning for NU to be more careful in choosing its leaders.
Gus Muid expressed his views after the forum was marred by pushing and shoving among participants while discussing the determination of the location for the 35th NU Muktamar (Grand Conference). Tensions arose because there were rumors that Lirboyo had been chosen as the host, although some participants believed the decision had not been finalized.
According to Gus Muid, the highest NU forum should be a space for constructive deliberation, not a battleground for egos. He reminded that NU was born from the struggle of religious scholars, thus its leaders must demonstrate noble character.
"NU is not an ordinary organization. Its dignity is upheld not only by structure, but also by the nobility of its leaders' character," he said on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
He further emphasized that this incident should be a reflection on NU's leadership succession system. Elected leaders should not only be experienced, but also have integrity, emotional maturity, and commitment to scholarly values.
He also stressed the need for selectivity in recruiting leadership to ensure that NU remains free from a culture of violence and consistent with pesantren traditions.
The turmoil occurred during the plenary session of the National Consultative Assembly of Religious Scholars and Great Conference NU while discussing the venue for the 35th NU Muktamar. The situation escalated into pushing and shoving within the meeting room. Some participants seemed to be defending their respective views on the decision-making mechanism within the forum.
In the chaotic atmosphere, the Rais Aam of PBNU, KH Miftachul Akhyar, took a firm stance by asserting that the decision regarding the Muktamar location had not been finalized. He even declared the annulment of the decision to appoint Lirboyo as the host.
Read: Prabowo Heads to East Java for NU Conference, Road Event
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