Jakarta – Institut Nahdliyin Nusantara (Insantara) has released a list of 14 individuals identified as potential candidates for the position of Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s (PBNU) Executive Board, ahead of the organization’s 35th Muktamar, scheduled for July or August of 2026. The assessment, confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, was based on a research methodology incorporating public profile, leadership track record and in-depth interviews with PBNU officials and members, according to Insantara researcher Wildan Efendy.
The 14 candidates have been categorized into four distinct clusters. Incumbent Yahya Cholil Staquf, widely known as Gus Yahya, and Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, concurrently serving as Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), are among those identified as leading contenders.
The first cluster comprises figures from within the PBNU structure itself: Gus Yahya, Mohammad Nuh, Syaifullah Yusuf, and Zulfa Mustofa. A second cluster draws from the leadership of regional Nahdlatul Ulama branches (PWNU), including Abdul Ghaffar Razin, Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, and Juhadi Muhammad. The third cluster consists of prominent figures from the NU community and Islamic boarding schools – Imam Jazuli, Abdussalam Shohib, Yusuf Chudlori, and Marzuqi Mustamar. The final cluster represents individuals holding positions in politics and government, namely Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency Nusron Wahid, and Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar.
Insantara’s research indicates a strong desire for leadership transition within PBNU, originating from regional branches, and members. “The strong push for a transition in PBNU leadership from PWNU, PCNU, and NU members represents a significant desire for a new leader within the organization,” Efendy stated.
The mapping of these candidates comes as PBNU prepares for its 35th Muktamar, a pivotal event for the organization. The selection process and the ultimate choice of the next Chairman will shape the direction of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest independent Islamic organization, in the years to come.
