9 Ulama Elected as AHWA Members, Kiai Nurul Huda Djazuli Receives Highest Votes

Jombang, VIVA – The tabulation of votes for candidates for the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdli (AHWA) members at the 35th NU Muktamar in Tambakberas, Jombang, on Sunday, 30 August 2026, has been completed. Nine scholars (Kiai) have been elected after receiving the highest number of votes.

According to reports, among the nine elected scholars, KH Nurul Huda Djazuli from Ploso, Kediri Regency, obtained the highest number of votes with 485 votes, representing 10.31 per cent of the total. Following him was TGH KH Nuruzzahir Yahya with 477 votes (10.14 per cent).

The other elected members include AG Dr. KH Baharuddin HS, MA with 392 votes (8.34%), KH Miftachul Akhyar with 350 votes (7.44%), KH Afifuddin Muhajir with 339 votes (7.21%), KH Anwar Iskandar with 326 votes (6.93%), KH Amar Manshur (Lirboyo) with 303 votes (6.44%), Prof. Dr. KH Said Aqil Siradj with 273 votes (5.80%), and Dr. KH Abun Bunyamin, MA with 268 votes (5.70%).

Once finalised, these nine AHWA members will conduct a closed deliberation to agree upon the appointment of the Rais Aam PBNU for the 2026-2031 period. These nine members will also be responsible for selecting one leader from five candidates for the General Chairperson (Ketum) of PBNU.

Previously, the session became heated regarding the election mechanism for the PBNU General Chairperson. Delegates were divided between two options: the old mechanism involving a general vote or the AHWA mechanism. After intense debate and a subsequent vote, the AHWA mechanism was officially agreed upon.

Technically, the PWNU and PCNU will propose five names for the PBNU General Chairperson position, which will then be tabulated. The five candidates with the highest number of votes, in descending order, will be established as the official candidates for the PBNU General Chairperson.

These five candidates will then be submitted to the nine AHWA members for deliberation and final agreement to appoint the PBNU General Chairperson for 2026-2031, subject to approval by the elected Rais Aam.

So far, several names have emerged as potential candidates, including Gus Yahya, Gus Kikin, Gus Rozin, Gus Yusuf Chudlori, Gus Salam, and KH Imam Jazuli.