PGI congratulates Gus Kikin and urges NU to speak for the people

Indonesia’s Communion of Churches wants Nahdlatul Ulama’s new leadership to work with the government without losing its independence.

PGI Secretary-General Darwin Darmawan congratulated Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, widely known as Gus Kikin, and the newly elected Rais Aam after Nahdlatul Ulama’s 35th congress at Bahrul Ulum Islamic boarding school in Jombang, East Java. Gus Kikin will lead the organization for the 2026-2031 period.

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NU can be a positive and critical partner to the government in building the nation, serve as the nation’s moral anchor, and be a blessing for Indonesia.

Darwin said NU should act as a constructive partner, supporting government policies aimed at public welfare. Cooperation could help advance education, economic empowerment, poverty reduction, social services and stronger community life.

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Indonesia needs an NU that retains freedom of conscience to protect the nation’s moral voice.

But he said cooperation must not silence NU’s criticism. With its extensive pesantren network and broad social base, the organization should speak out when policies fail to serve the public interest. Darwin said NU must retain the freedom to support beneficial policies and to warn the government about questions of justice, humanity, environmental damage and national interests.

“Indonesia needs an NU that retains freedom of conscience to protect the nation’s moral voice,” Darwin said. He compared the organization to an anchor: it does not steer a ship or choose its destination, but keeps it from drifting when currents and storms grow strong.

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An anchor does not determine the direction of a voyage. It does not control the helm. Its task is to keep the ship from drifting when hit by currents and storms.