Despite Calls to Step Down, Support for KH Miftahul Akhyar Flows at NU Congress
Calls for withdrawal have been voiced by some within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) urging Rais Aam PBNU KH Miftahul Akhyar not to stand for re-election. However, he continues to receive support to run again at the NU Congress taking place in Jombang, East Java.
Support for the caretaker of Miftachussunnah Islamic Boarding School in Surabaya has emerged from NU administrators in the regions. Rais Syuriyah PCNU Batu Bara, M. Ridwan Butar-Butar, expressed hope that KH Miftachul Akhyar would return as Rais Aam PBNU.
“Our hope is that KH Miftachul Akhyar returns as Rais Aam PBNU. He possesses the scholarly capacity and experience that are greatly needed to safeguard the direction of NU’s struggle,” he said at the NU Congress arena in Jombang on Friday (28/8).
“Leadership at the PBNU level must be able to maintain unity and the organisation’s dignity. We see that KH Miftachul Akhyar has that capacity,” he stressed.
Furthermore, KH Miftahul Akhyar’s service has been recognised by the state. In 2025 he received the Bintang Mahaputera Utama from the President. In NU’s second century, regional administrators believe the torch of tradition must continue to burn.
“Congress participants are invited to elect a Rais Aam who is free from practical political interests and firmly upholds tradition and khittah,” he said.
Ridwan assessed that KH Miftahul Akhyar is the right figure to continue the Syuriyah’s dignity in NU’s second century, safeguarding the authority of ulama amid the strong currents of practical politics.
KH Miftahul Akhyar’s scholarly lineage, he said, was built from the age of eight at Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School, then Rejoso (Darul Ulum), Sidogiri, and Al-Islah Soditan Lasem, as well as the assembly of Sayyid Muhammad bin Alawi Al-Maliki.
“His integrity was tested when he chose to resign as Chairman of MUI in 2022 to focus on serving and to refuse holding concurrent positions, a decision regarded as proof of his commitment to safeguarding the mandate without other interests,” he said.