Gus Kikin Becomes PBNU Chairman as Buddhist Leader Calls for Stronger Religious Harmony

Suhadi Sendjaja, the head of the Indonesian Buddhist organisation Parisadha Buddha Dharma Niciren Syosyu Indonesia, has welcomed Gus Kikin’s election to lead Nahdlatul Ulama and called for a stronger focus on religious harmony.

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First, of course, I congratulate the new chairman. We know that NU is one of the largest Muslim organisations.

KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, widely known as Gus Kikin, was selected as chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama’s central board for the 2026-2031 term. The Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi council reached the decision by consensus during the organisation’s 35th congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic boarding school in Jombang, East Java.

Suhadi said Nahdlatul Ulama, one of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisations, already played an important role in maintaining harmony among religious communities. He expressed hope that Gus Kikin’s leadership would expand that contribution and increase the organisation’s benefit to the nation.

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In the development of our country, its role is also very large. Therefore, with the election of a new chairman, we hope NU’s role will bring even greater benefit to the nation and state.

“First, of course, I congratulate the new chairman. We know that NU is one of the largest Muslim organisations,” Suhadi said. He urged NU to concentrate on religious life as a foundation for harmonious relations between faiths.

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Especially for religious harmony. I think that is our hope.

Suhadi added that Indonesia’s challenges were not only political. Moral questions also required serious attention, he said, while religious organisations had an important place in building society on religious values and strengthening national brotherhood.

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Actually, as a religious council, its focus is more on the interests of religious harmony. Religion provides the foundation. This is very important when we look at the situation today.