East Java, August 27, 2026 – President Prabowo Subianto opened the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java. Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, emphasized that the occasion serves as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the government and various elements of society in advancing the creative economy as a driver of the people-centered economy.
Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas) (second left), with Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya (second right), during the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at Untung Suropati Field, Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, Thursday (27/8/2026).
“NU is a tremendous national asset. The aspirations of NU’s founders were for Indonesia to rise and stand on an equal footing with other nations in the world, so that Indonesia would become a more respected, just, and prosperous nation. Thank you, NU, for continuing to strive together,” said President Prabowo during the opening of the 35th NU Congress, Thursday (27/8).
President Prabowo also highlighted NU’s role throughout the nation’s history and the importance of strengthening relations between the government and NU. He emphasized that NU has consistently been present during various important moments in safeguarding Indonesia’s stability, security, and peace.
Echoing President Prabowo’s remarks, Minister of Creative Economy explained NU’s important role as a Muslim organization that has consistently upheld integrity and is committed to becoming a key driver of the creative economy, supported by its extensive grassroots base.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“The theme ‘Maintaining Dignity, Enriching Service for the Benefit of the Nation’ is highly relevant to the spirit of the creative economy as a new engine of national economic growth. Maintaining dignity means upholding the values, identity, and character of the nation, while enriching service means creating works and creativity that deliver tangible benefits to society. The creative economy is not merely about generating economic value, but also about transforming and innovating through creativity as a means of contributing to the well-being of the nation,” said the Minister of Creative Economy on the sidelines of the NU Congress.
The Minister of Creative Economy also expressed appreciation for NU’s contribution to developing the creative economy as a force that grows from within society, including through the empowerment of santri, Islamic boarding schools, community organizations, and ecosystems across various regions. The major gathering of NU members, opened at Untung Suropati Field within the pesantren complex, also serves as a form of business incubator, a center for creative economy value-chain production, and an acceleration platform for empowering independent and creative santri.
“NU has deep religious and cultural roots within society, including its efforts to empower santri in Islamic boarding schools, who are highly active and creative. This represents tremendous social and cultural capital that can be developed into a creative economy force,” added the Minister of Creative Economy.
At the same venue, Chair of the 35th NU Congress Organizing Committee and Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf expressed his gratitude for the support of various parties in ensuring physical and logistical readiness, congress governance, and human resources.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“We are also holding the Congress Bazaar and Expo from August 20 to 31, 2026, complete with a cultural stage and night market. Therefore, the 35th NU Congress is not only an organizational forum but also contributes to stimulating the national economy,” said Gus Ipul.
As part of the opening ceremony, marawis and Simfoni choir performances by santri, including school and university students, featured songs such as Indonesia Raya, Mars Syubbanol Wathon, Shalawat Asyghil, Shalawat Jibril, the NU Congress theme song, and the popular song ‘Ketika Tangan dan Kaki Berkata’.
The 35th NU Congress, held from August 27–31, 2026, also features strategic agendas, including the election of the Rais Aam and General Chairperson of the NU Central Board (PBNU) for the 2026–2031 term of service. The congress is attended by 38 NU regional boards, 523 PCNU branches, and 33 special NU branch boards, sending a total of 2,232 delegates.
The opening of the 35th NU Congress was also attended by Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming; 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla; 13th Vice President KH. Ma’ruf Amin; Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Ahmad Muzani; Deputy Speaker of the MPR, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono; Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar; Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan; Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar; Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti; Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid; and Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa.
Following the opening ceremony, the Minister of Creative Economy visited the graves of KH. Hasyim Asy’ari, KH. Salahuddin Wahid (Gus Solah), and the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), located within the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School complex. The visit served as an expression of respect for the nation’s prominent figures, remembered for their values of pluralism, tolerance, and national spirit.
The Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Special Staff to the Minister for Communication, Media, and Public Services, Renanda Bachtar, and Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Dadam Mahdar.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
