MUI and Persis Leaders Congratulate Gus Kikin and Kiai Miftah on PBNU Election

KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, and KH Miftachul Akhyar have been chosen to lead Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama for the 2026-2031 period.

The election took place at the organization’s 35th congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic boarding school in Tambakberas, Jombang, on Aug. 31. Mahfudz will serve as chairman, or Rais Tanfidziyah, while Miftachul Akhyar will become Rais Aam.

Buya Amirsyah Tambunan, secretary-general of the Indonesian Ulema Council, congratulated the two leaders and said he hoped their mandate would benefit Muslims and the nation. He said Nahdlatul Ulama, as one of the Islamic organizations gathered under the council, was expected to help promote sound social, national and state life.

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I hope that with the new PBNU leadership, things can improve going forward in protecting the people and the nation.

Amirsyah also linked the organization’s role to the council’s mission of guiding and protecting Indonesian Muslims through effective leadership and institutions. KH Jeje Zaenudin, chairman of Persis, welcomed the election and said he hoped the new leaders would keep Nahdlatul Ulama united, solid and strong.

Jeje said the organization should increase its contribution to building an advanced, sovereign, just and prosperous Indonesia under God’s blessing.

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We hope and believe that under the leadership of KH Miftachul Akhyar and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, NU can remain united, solid and strong.