UNU Jogja Enlivens the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress: Champions the Development of NU Higher Education and Rolls Out Scholarship Programs

Jombang, Indonesia – The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress is officially underway at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, running from August 27 to 31, 2026. Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) is actively participating in the national congress by contributing strategic insights for the advancement of NU Higher Education (PTNU), hosting an official New Student Admissions (PMB) Information Corner, and offering dedicated scholarship schemes.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, cabinet ministers, and state officials. The event was attended by national figures, the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), prominent Islamic scholars (ulama, kiai, and nyai), boarding school leaders, regional and branch administrators, and thousands of Nahdliyin from across the country, including the academic delegation of UNU Yogyakarta.

In his opening address, President Prabowo extended his best wishes to all congress delegates (muktamirin). He highlighted NU’s pivotal historical contribution to the nation and its profound patriotism, exemplified by the anthem Yalal Wathon, composed by KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah years before Indonesia's Independence.

“Our nation’s independence was proclaimed in Jakarta, but it was tested in Surabaya during the fierce battles of October–November 1945. The role of the ulama, kiai, and Islamic boarding schools was immense. While Bung Karno coined Jas Merah (never forget history), I would like to introduce Jas Hijau—never forget the noble service of the ulama,” said President Prabowo.

“NU is an invaluable national asset. When NU is strong, Indonesia is strong. When NU is harmonious, Indonesia is harmonious. When NU serves, Indonesia stands with dignity,” added Prabowo, who subsequently struck the traditional bedug drum to mark the official opening of the 35th NU Congress.

Earlier, PBNU General Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya) stated that NU was founded to safeguard and strengthen the Republic of Indonesia as a nation-state. He framed this congress as a launchpad to bolster mutual solidarity—not solely among NU followers, but across the entire Indonesian society.

“In this congress, we gather approximately 2,232 official delegates from various regional (PWNU) and branch (PCNU) boards. Outside, around 50,000 NU supporters have gathered to celebrate this congress. This is just a glimpse of the vast and widespread landscape of NU throughout Indonesia,” Gus Yahya stated.

The Chairperson of the 35th NU Congress Organizing Committee, Syaifullah Yusuf, noted that this event marks the first congress held in NU’s second century. Despite a condensed preparation timeline, the event was organized seamlessly by the santri community.

“It feels as though we were guided back to our foundational roots. No one anticipated that this congress would take place at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, founded by one of NU’s primary founding fathers, KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah,” he remarked.

Advancing NU Higher Education (PTNU)

The Acting Rector of UNU Jogja, Fahmy Akbar Idries, emphasized that the 35th NU Congress serves as a critical forum to address structural challenges faced by NU Higher Education institutions (PTNU). These challenges span technological disruption, job market dynamics, ideological shifts, ecological crises, and the graduate competency gap.

“PTNU must not function merely as a diploma factory; it must serve as an epicenter of civilization rooted in Islamic academic traditions. NU Higher Education must transform from traditional lecture providers into centers of excellence that integrate modern science and technology with the moral foundation of Aswaja Annahdliyah,” stated Fahmy.

These strategic paradigms will be elaborated further during the PTNU Halaqah Forum on Saturday, August 29, 2026. As part of the PTNU Rectors Forum during the congress agenda, the Acting Rector of UNU Jogja will deliver a keynote titled “The Integration of Pesantren, Aswaja, and Higher Education.”

Scholarship Distribution at the Congress

In addition to intellectual contributions, UNU Jogja provides tangible support to broaden higher education access through targeted scholarship schemes and admission incentives.

Attendees and delegates of the 35th NU Congress can access comprehensive information regarding admissions and scholarships at the UNU Yogyakarta PMB Corner, located in the congress venue area at SMK Kreatif Hasbullah.

Through the PMB Corner, visitors can explore the academic offerings across 5 faculties and 10 undergraduate (S1) study programs. Additionally, UNU Jogja has introduced its new Postgraduate Program in Islamic Studies (S2), offering an advanced academic pathway for congress delegates and the Nahdliyin community.

To commemorate Independence Month, UNU Jogja is offering the Independence Special Offer (Promo Merdeka) for new student registrations valid until August 31, 2026, featuring a reduced registration fee of IDR 81,000 and a tuition fee discount (potongan UKT) of IDR 1,000,000 for the first semester.

Furthermore, UNU Jogja is awarding the Talenta Lestari Scholarship to 100 selected youths passionate about sustainability, prioritizing candidates from pesantren backgrounds and underprivileged families. This initiative provides full 4-year undergraduate tuition coverage and comprehensive capacity-building programs, including English proficiency training, leadership character development, and sustainability project incubation.

Congress participants and visitors are encouraged to visit the PMB Corner at SMK Kreatif Hasbullah throughout the 35th NU Congress for detailed consultations with UNU Jogja staff and student representatives.

Happy Congress to all delegates! We welcome you to visit the UNU Jogja PMB Corner.*

Reporter : Arif