35th NU Muktamar: Gus Hans and Gus Rozin Respond to AHWA Mechanism

The 35th Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) held in Jombang has officially agreed to change the election mechanism for the General Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU). This decision was reached through a voting process involving hundreds of delegates on Sunday (30/08/2026).

During the vote, the majority of participants expressed a desire for updates to the procedures for determining the top leadership of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisation. Based on the voting results, the option to change the mechanism dominated the votes compared to the option of maintaining the existing system.

The Vice Rector of Universitas Pesantren Tinggi Darul Ulum (Unipdu) Jombang, H.M. Zahrul Azhar As’ad, popularly known as Gus Hans, emphasised the importance of the independence of the clerics involved in the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA). He expressed hope that the AHWA could operate without pressure from external parties.

“I hope that the AHWA can truly make their selection without intervention, relying on their inner conscience,” Gus Hans stated in his remarks in Jombang.

A candidate for the General Chairperson of PBNU, KH Abdul Ghaffar Rozin, also known as Gus Rozin, expressed his respect for the decision made at the 35th NU Muktamar regarding the AHWA mechanism. He appreciated all delegates for conducting the organisation’s democratic process with full responsibility.

Gus Rozin also called upon all members of the Nahdliyin community to end the debate regarding the election mechanism and instead focus on the future challenges facing the organisation. He noted that differences in opinion are natural and should not damage the ‘ukhuwah nahdliyah’ (Nahdliyin brotherhood).

“Whoever eventually receives the mandate, what we must prioritise is the greatness of NU, the interests of the congregation and the organisation, and the welfare of the Ummah. We must remain united in maintaining our togetherness,” Gus Rozin asserted.