NU Marks Century in Indonesia’s New Capital

RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara - Imagine a city under construction where thousands gather not for ribbon-cutting, but for prayer. That was Nusantara on Saturday, 31 January 2026, when Muslims from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) celebrated the organization’s 100th anniversary. The event combined faith, community, and national ambition, showing how spiritual guidance shapes the core of Indonesia’s new capital.

The ceremony took place at the Kemenko 3 Office in Nusantara’s central government area, bringing together local NU leaders, officials, and representatives from the military and police. It was a rare moment where religious devotion and civic responsibility met in one space.

NU’s spiritual leader and Chairman of Pergerakan Pemuda Nahdlatul Ulama (Pergunu) PBNU, Prof. Dr. KH. Asep Saefuddin Chalim, opened the gathering with a national prayer and a message of unity. His words resonated with thousands, emphasizing that NU’s mission extends beyond religion to national progress.

“The success of Nusantara depends not only on infrastructure but also on spiritual values,” said Head of the Nusantara Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono. “Our goal is a city where people of all religions can live together in harmony.” 

His statement framed Nusantara as a city designed to embrace diversity from its foundation. Echoing this vision, Deputy Governor Seno Aji reinforced this perspective, noting NU’s pivotal role in regional and national development. 

“NU must lead in building East Kalimantan and Nusantara, while keeping peace and safety our top priorities,” he said, linking spiritual leadership directly to the practical needs of the capital.

Rais Syuriah of East Kalimantan NU, KH. Muhammad Ali Cholil, highlighted the symbolic significance of celebrating the centenary in Nusantara. 

“We aim to involve citizens in praying for Nusantara’s successful development, including achieving key milestones like completing the political capital by 2028. Spiritual values are the foundation of leadership and unity,” he said.

The celebration revealed Nusantara as more than a construction site: it is a vision of a city where infrastructure, culture, and faith coexist. By blending prayer with progress, the event sent a clear message to the world, Indonesia’s new capital is being built not merely with concrete and steel, but the enduring national values that bind a nation together.