Can kyai kiss a woman?

Can kyai kiss a woman?

From Republika

As a Moslem of Ahlus Sunnah Waljamaah I would like to ask a question concerning Islamic law. Can a man embrace and kiss a woman, who is not his wife, as a sign of affection, not out of lust or passion, just as a parent to children, or a teacher to pupils?

I am asking this question because I was surprised when I read a report in Kedaulatan Rakyat Yogyakarta (Jan. 10, 1995) that ulema KH Muslim Rifa'i, Head of Religious Boarding House of Al Muttaqin Karanganom, Klaten, welcomed Megawati, Chairman of Indonesian Democratic Party, and embraced and kissed her when the latter visited the institution, in the presence of her husband Taufiq Kemas.

According to the fikih (Islamic conduct) books -- Taqrib, Fatchul Mu'in, Al Muhadzab, a man should not touch a woman (other than his wife), let alone kiss her, although he only kisses her eyebrow or hand. Is there an exception for kyai? I would appreciate an explanation from Al-mukarom Rois Am Syuriah of Nahdlatul Ulama Executives Board.

A. SLAMET

Yogyakarta