President Prabowo Subianto Applauds NU’s Strategic Roles in Indonesia
President Prabowo Subianto attends the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) National Congress of Islamic Scholars and Grand Conference at Syaichona Mohammad Cholil Islamic Institute (IAI), Bangkalan regency, East Java province, on Tuesday (06/23)
President Prabowo Subianto Tuesday (06/23) attended the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) National Congress of Islamic Scholars and Grand Conference held at the Syaichona Mohammad Cholil Islamic Institute (IAI), Bangkalan regency, East Java province. The presence of President concluded the NU strategic forums carrying the theme “Upholding Dignity and Enriching Devotion for the Welfare of the Nation.”
The ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthem “Indonesia Raya” and the hymn “Syubbanul Wathan”, followed by the recitation of holy verses of the Quran. The event then proceeded with a report by Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Council (PBNU) K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, a directive from Supreme Leader of PBNU (Rais Aam) K.H. Miftachul Akhyar, and a prayer session before President Prabowo delivered his remarks and officially closed the 2026 NU National Congress and Grand Conference.
In his report, PBNU Chairperson K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf expressed his appreciation for President Prabowo’s attendance at the closing of the event. According to him, the presence of the Head of State completed the joy of NU extended family after successfully concluding the entire series of deliberations in the National Congress and Grand Conference, which served as strategic consultative forums ahead of the 35th NU General Assembly.
“We are all citizens who loyal to the state. Citizens who are ready to fight and willing to sacrifice for our beloved nation and country. Citizens who have never lost faith and optimism in Indonesia,” stated Gus Yahya.
He also reaffirmed NU’s commitment to continuously protect, preserve, and maintain the nation and state, while requesting blessings and prayers so that the 35th NU General Assembly, scheduled to take place this coming August, can run smoothly.
Thereafter, in his remarks President Prabowo expressed his gratitude for the great honor given to him to be present among the extended family of Nahdlatul Ulama. The President noted that he has shared an emotional bond with NU since his childhood.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the great honor bestowed upon me to be present among all of you at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nahdlatul Ulama National Congress of Islamic Scholars and Grand Conference. Thank you for the extraordinary welcome. Indeed, I always feel comfortable among the extended family of Nahdlatul Ulama. [I feel] comfortable and safe. I feel safe,” affirmed the President.
President Prabowo further assessed that Nahdlatul Ulama has a distinctive character as a religious organization that continues to uphold national values and patriotism. According to the President, the spirit of nationalism has long been part of NU’s identity as reflected in the hymn “Syubbanul Wathan,” which was composed long before Indonesia gained its independence.
“Without a doubt, Nahdlatul Ulama is a religious organization, but it is highly nationalist, highly patriotic, and deeply loves the Motherland. Therefore, it is religious, yet nationalist and patriotic,” the President emphasized.
On that occasion, he also expressed his appreciation for NU’s strategic roles throughout Indonesia’s journey. According to him, the NU extended family has always stepped up whenever the nation faced various challenges and has been a crucial pillar in maintaining national unity and stability.
“The NU extended family always steps up when Indonesia is in difficult times. The NU extended family is a stabilizing factor that can bring safety to the nation and the state,” concluded the President.
The ceremony was concluded with the striking of a traditional instrument named kenteng by President Prabowo, accompanied by Rais Aam of PBNU K.H. Miftachul Akhyar, Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) K.H.M. Anwar Iskandar, Chairperson of PBNU K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, and Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf. This moment served as the conclusion of NU’s strategic forum and reaffirmed a collective commitment to continuously uphold the organization’s dignity and strengthen its devotion to the benefit of the nation and the state.
Also attending the event were Speaker of People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Ahmad Muzani, several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, Chief of the Indonesian National Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces General Agus Subiyanto, and all ranks of PBNU. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/MMB)
