Six Main Factions Compete in NU's 35th Muktamar
The dynamics leading up to Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) 35th Muktamar in August 2026 are intensifying. According to internal analysts, the competition involves a mix of political networks, cultural influence, and closeness to power, making it more complex than previous muktamars.
Young NU figure Khalilur R Abdullah Sahlawiy (Gus Lilur) identifies six main factions: the incumbent camp of Yahya Cholil Staquf, the group around Miftachul Akhyar and Saifullah Yusuf, the Nazaruddin Umar faction, the PKB (National Awakening Party) and PMII alumni network, the East Java PWNU network supporting Abdul Hakim Mahfuz, and the Marzuki Mustamar faction. Quantitatively, the PKB-PMII network is estimated to control about 250 votes, while the network linked to the Ministry of Religious Affairs holds around 130 votes and the incumbent camp roughly 100 votes.
This muktamar will not only determine NU's leadership but also shape the organization's future direction-whether to uphold tradition versus modernization and maintain independence versus closeness to power. With about 70–80 swing votes potentially deciding the outcome, coalition-building will be crucial. NU 2026 is predicted to be one of the most pivotal moments in the organization's history.
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