NU Congress Heats Up as One-Year 'Political Cooling-Off' Rule Sparks Protests

Jombang, JurnalPost.com — The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, reached a critical juncture on Sunday (August 30, 2026). The forum grew heated after the Fourth Plenary Session upheld a one-year 'cooling-off' period (iddah) from political office for candidates running for Rais Aam and General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU).

The decision sparked protests from a group identifying as supporters of KH Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori, or Gus Yusuf. Several individuals attempted to approach and enter the plenary session arena at the KH Hasbullah Said Multipurpose Building within the Bahrul Ulum complex.

The situation involved shoving matches with security personnel and Banser members guarding the area. The tension arose because the 'political cooling-off' rule is seen as potentially undermining Gus Yusuf's eligibility in the race for PBNU General Chairman for the 2026–2031 term.

The Political Cooling-Off Rule Becomes a Point of Contention

In the rules of procedure for the PBNU General Chairman candidacy discussed during the Fourth Plenary Session, candidates are prohibited from having served as officials in political parties or organizations affiliated with political parties within the last year.

This provision has become known as the political cooling-off period.

Furthermore, candidates for PBNU General Chairman are prohibited from holding certain political offices. The rules also regulate the candidate's organizational track record, prohibit those who have faced organizational sanctions during their leadership, and mandate written approval from the elected Rais Aam.

Representing the senior clerics (masyayikh), KH Muhibul Aman Aly stated that the decision to maintain this provision is part of an effort to uphold the consistency of organizational rules.

“The decision regarding the cooling-off period was returned to the original Association Regulation (Perkum) for the sake of the organization's integrity,” he said.

PBNU Chairman Savic Ali explained that previous discussions had considered several options, including maintaining the one-year period, shortening it to six months, or removing the provision entirely.

However, the senior clerics ultimately chose to maintain the existing rule, citing the need to preserve organizational consistency and the spirit of returning to NU's khittah (foundational principles).

Gus Yusuf's Position Under Scrutiny

The provision is under the spotlight because Gus Yusuf has a long track record with the National Awakening Party (PKB). He previously led the Central Java PKB Regional Executive Board (DPW) and served within the PKB Central Executive Board (DPP) structure.

Gus Yusuf's leadership term at the Central Java PKB DPW ended on January 29, 2026. In early February 2026, he declared he was no longer active in the PKB DPW or DPP structures and chose to focus on managing his Islamic boarding school.

Given this timeline, the one-year period since leaving political structures had not been met when the 35th NU Congress was held in late August 2026.

Gus Yusuf himself had previously questioned the basis for this provision. According to him, the rule regarding a political pause is not stated in the NU Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART), but only in the Association Regulation (Perkum).

“The political cooling-off, the political pause, actually does not exist in the NU AD/ART. It is only in the Perkum,” said Gus Yusuf.

He holds the view that NU cadres from various backgrounds—whether political, governmental, boarding school, or academic—should still have the opportunity to serve within the Nahdlatul Ulama environment.

Gus Yusuf's candidacy had previously received support from several NU structures. In July 2026, 23 Nahdlatul Ulama Branch Boards (PCNU) in Central Java declared their support for the caretaker of the API Tegalrejo Islamic Boarding School in Magelang to run for PBNU General Chairman.

Gus Yusuf's Supporters Attempt to Enter the Session Arena

Tensions escalated after the decision regarding the cooling-off period was upheld. A number of people claiming to be Gus Yusuf's supporters moved toward the Fourth Plenary Session location and attempted to breach security barricades.

The crowd engaged in shoving matches with security officers. The situation drew attention to the proceedings as it occurred during a critical agenda item regarding the determination of PBNU's mechanism and leadership.

One participant, Muhammad Akbar Jadi, argued that several provisions decided in the forum were unfair to certain candidates. He urged the senior clerics to reconsider the rules contested by the crowd.

Meanwhile, the local Congress committee stated that some of those involved in the unrest were suspected not to be official congress delegates (muktamirin).

Therefore, a distinction must be made between official Congress participants who have voting rights in the session and the sympathizers located around the arena.

Gus Yahya Calls for Calm

PBNU General Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, or Gus Yahya, stepped in to address the situation. He asked Gus Yusuf's supporters to remain calm and not force their way into the session arena.

“I ask that you remain calm. I personally promise to help find a wise way out,” said Gus Yahya.

Gus Yahya also acknowledged Gus Yusuf as one of the potential cadres possessed by NU.

He expressed hope that whoever is eventually elected to lead PBNU will continue to provide space for Gus Yusuf's potential to contribute to the organization.

This statement was part of an effort to de-escalate tensions amid rising organizational political dynamics ahead of the determination of the new PBNU leadership.

PBNU General Chairman Election Now via AHWA

The controversy over the political cooling-off period occurred alongside a major change in the mechanism for electing the PBNU General Chairman.

The previous Plenary Session agreed that the PBNU General Chairman would be determined through the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) mechanism.

Out of 552 votes on the final voter list, 401 votes supported the change to the AHWA mechanism. Meanwhile, 150 votes chose to maintain the one man one vote system, and one vote was declared invalid.

Under this mechanism, Congress participants first nominate a maximum of five candidates who meet the requirements.

The five names with the highest support are then submitted to the AHWA to determine the PBNU General Chairman.

This change makes the 35th NU Congress different from previous election processes, as the role of the clerics belonging to the AHWA has become increasingly decisive in selecting the PBNU leadership.

NU Congress Enters Decisive Phase

With the change in the election mechanism and the controversy over candidate requirements, the 35th NU Congress is now entering one of its most decisive phases.

The forum is not only determining who will lead PBNU for the next term but is also testing the organization's ability to maintain deliberation and internal solidarity amidst intense competition.

The dynamics surrounding the political cooling-off rule, Gus Yusuf's candidacy, and the protests around the Congress arena are expected to remain a focus until the PBNU leadership election process is completed.

The 35th NU Congress is taking place at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Tambakberas, Jombang, from August 27–31, 2026. A number of main agendas are being discussed, ranging from organizational programs and institutional rules to the determination of the PBNU leadership for the next term.