NU 1st Century Anniversary: Logo & Theme Revealed for 2026 Celebration

Jakarta – The General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, has unveiled the logo for the centennial anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama, observed according to the Common Era calendar. The launch coincided with the announcement of the commemoration’s theme: Guarding Indonesia’s Independence, Towards a Noble Civilization.

Centennial Celebration Plans

Gus Yahya, as he is known, made the announcement during a Khatmil Qur’an and Istighotsah event marking NU’s 103rd anniversary, held Monday, January 5, 2025, at the PBNU building in Central Jakarta. He stated that a celebration of 100 years of Nahdlatul Ulama, according to the Common Era calendar, is planned for January 31st, as NU was founded on 16 Rajab 1344 Hijriah, corresponding to January 31, 1926.

The centennial commemoration is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SU GBK) in Jakarta on January 31, 2026. Gus Yahya indicated the event will include a “selamatan” – a traditional celebratory gathering – though it may not be as large as the centennial celebration held in Sidoarjo in 1444 Hijriah, which drew millions of attendees.

Did You Know? Nahdlatul Ulama was founded on January 31, 1926, corresponding to 16 Rajab 1344 Hijriah.

Symbolism of the Logo

The logo for the centennial anniversary is rich in philosophical meaning. The number 100 represents a century of Indonesia’s independence, signifying national maturity and experience in navigating the challenges of the times. The logo’s designers emphasize that 100 years is not merely a measure of age, but a symbol of maturity, evaluation, and a significant milestone.

The solid form of the number 100 conveys the nation’s resilience after a long journey. The number 1 symbolizes the foundational principles of independence, rooted in morality, spirituality, hope, and growth. The use of green represents continuity and a commitment to upholding the nation’s noble values, reflecting the early struggles and moral-spiritual foundations of an independent Indonesia.

The two zeros, colored gold, symbolize glory, magnificence, and civilizational achievement. Gold represents Indonesia’s aspirations to become a superior, dignified, and world-class nation. The circular shape of the zeros signifies perfection and continuity. Overall, the logo’s rounded and solid design embodies continuity, unity, and the nation’s strength in connecting its past, present, and future.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on continuity and foundational values within the logo’s symbolism suggests a deliberate framing of the centennial not simply as a retrospective, but as a reaffirmation of core principles guiding Indonesia’s future trajectory.

The logo is available for download here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Nahdlatul Ulama founded?

Nahdlatul Ulama was founded on 16 Rajab 1344 Hijriah, which corresponds to January 31, 1926.

Where is the centennial commemoration planned to take place?

The centennial commemoration is tentatively planned to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SU GBK) in Jakarta.

What is the theme of the centennial commemoration?

The theme of the centennial commemoration is Mengawal Indonesia Merdeka, Menuju Peradaban Mulia (Guarding Indonesia’s Independence, Towards a Noble Civilization).

As Nahdlatul Ulama prepares for this significant milestone, what role do you foresee faith-based organizations playing in shaping Indonesia’s future?

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