Gus Ipul Sets "Deadline" for PCNU to Clarify Allegations of Money Politics at NU Congress

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Saifullah Yusuf, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Leadership Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), has given a 7-day deadline for the Sekadau and Nias branches of PCNU to conduct tabayun and clarify allegations of money politics related to the NU Congress.

"These two PCNU branches have 7x24 hours to report to PBNU about the matters that have already been reported to the KPK," Saifullah stated during a visit to the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Salemba, Central Jakarta, on Friday (23/10/2026).

Commonly referred to as Gus Ipul, he emphasized that PBNU supports the KPK's efforts to combat corruption, including the allegations of money politics that have been reported.

However, he reminded that both PCNU branches should also provide relevant evidence regarding the allegations to strengthen their claims, rather than just offering opinions.

Gus Ipul mentioned that complaints without any supporting evidence could damage the reputation and dignity of the organization.

"If they have no evidence at all and are merely boasting or creating opinions, this could tarnish the reputation of others and also damage the integrity of the organization," he said.

For this reason, Gus Ipul advised any PCNU branches to report any allegations of money politics directly to the PBNU leadership to ensure proper investigation.

"This way, we are informed, and we can trace the issues; we might also provide additional information if sufficient evidence exists," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

Allegations of Money Politics in the NU Congress

It has been previously reported that the Nias branch of PCNU submitted an amount of IDR 250 million suspected to be related to political practices ahead of the 35th NU Congress.

"Indeed, there has been a return from one of the organizations, and this return of funds has been seized by the investigators, including the return of IDR 250 million," said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

Budi indicated that investigators will conduct further analysis of the connection between the money and the congress.

If it is not related to money politics, the funds will be returned.

"This process was initiated by the related parties, who then submitted the IDR 250 million to the KPK, which has been seized," Budi explained.

The KPK also received a public complaint from PBNU Sekadau regarding money politics before the 35th NU Congress.

However, this complaint did not include any transfer of funds from the complainant to the KPK.