President Prabowo Opens 35th NU Congress: “A Strong NU Means a Strong Indonesia; Jas Hijau, Never Forget the Contributions of the Ulama”
JOMBANG, TarnabakuNews.com — President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto officially opened the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, Thursday (August 27, 2026).
The opening ceremony was attended by thousands of NU members and delegates, ulama, Islamic scholars, pesantren leaders, NU officials, government representatives, and national figures.
In his speech, President Prabowo expressed his deep respect and appreciation for Nahdlatul Ulama, describing NU as one of Indonesia’s greatest national assets and an organization that has played an important role throughout the country’s history.
Prabowo emphasized his commitment to strengthening and empowering NU, including NU-affiliated Islamic boarding schools.
“I do not have any hesitation. I continue to think about how to strengthen, empower, and support Nahdlatul Ulama and its pesantren, as well as Muhammadiyah,” President Prabowo said.
“Jas Hijau”: Never Forget the Contributions of the Ulama
One of the key messages in President Prabowo’s speech was his introduction of the phrase “Jas Hijau”, meaning a reminder never to forget the contributions and services of the ulama.
The expression refers to the well-known Indonesian phrase “Jas Merah”, which carries the message of never forgetting history.
Prabowo urged Indonesians to remember the important role played by ulama, kiai, and Islamic boarding schools in the struggle to defend Indonesia’s independence.
“Bung Karno, if I am not mistaken, once said ‘Jas Merah’ — never, ever forget history. I want to say ‘Jas Hijau’ — never, ever forget the contributions of the ulama,” Prabowo said.
Remembering the Role of Ulama in the Struggle for Independence
President Prabowo also highlighted the contribution of ulama and pesantren communities in Indonesia’s struggle to defend independence, particularly during the Battle of Surabaya in October-November 1945.
According to Prabowo, Indonesia’s independence was proclaimed in Jakarta, but the newly established republic was subsequently tested through armed resistance in Surabaya.
He stressed that ulama, kiai, and pesantren communities played a significant role in that historic struggle.
For this reason, Prabowo called on Indonesians to preserve historical memory and continue to honor the contribution of the ulama to the nation.
Prabowo: I Did Not Interfere in the Congress
During his speech, President Prabowo also stated that he had not interfered in the internal affairs or proceedings of the 35th NU Congress.
“I did not arrange all of this. I do not even understand all of it. But we accept it,” Prabowo said in a light-hearted moment.
He expressed his gratitude to the NU Central Executive Board (PBNU) for inviting him to attend and officially open the five-yearly congress.
Prabowo Apologizes Over Interactive Display Panels
President Prabowo also apologized after learning that a number of NU schools and Islamic boarding schools had not yet received interactive display panels provided through the government’s education program.
Prabowo said he had only recently become aware of the issue and described it as an administrative matter.
He assured the audience that NU schools and pesantren that had not yet received the facilities would be included in the distribution.
Prabowo Wants a NU Membership Card
The atmosphere became more relaxed when President Prabowo asked NU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf, popularly known as Gus Yahya, about obtaining a NU membership card.
Prabowo said he had previously asked for a NU membership card but had not yet received one.
He jokingly expressed hope that the card could be handed to him before the closing of the 35th NU Congress.
“A Strong NU Means a Strong Indonesia”
At the conclusion of his speech, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of NU’s strength and unity for Indonesia.
“A strong NU means a strong Indonesia. If NU is united, Indonesia is united. If NU serves the people, Indonesia will have dignity,” Prabowo said.
The President then officially declared the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama open.
The opening was symbolically marked by President Prabowo striking a traditional bedug, accompanied by NU leaders. The moment became one of the most important visual symbols of the opening ceremony.
“With the grace of Almighty God, on this Thursday, August 27, 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, officially declare the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama open,” said President Prabowo.
The 35th NU Congress is being held at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Tambakberas, Jombang, and will continue through August 31, 2026.
The congress carries the theme:
“Preserving Dignity, Enriching Service for the Welfare of the Nation.”
(TarnabakuNews.com Editorial Team)
