Gerindra Denies Gus Kikin-Miftahul Achyar PBNU Duo is a Palace-Backed Package
The Chairman of the Gerindra Party’s Honorary Board, Ahmad Muzani, has denied circulating rumours suggesting that the duo of PBNU General Chairman Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, and Rais Aam Miftahul Achyar is a package arranged by the Palace.
“Those rumours are circulating, but I do not see any truth to that issue,” Muzani stated at the parliamentary complex on Monday (31/8).
The Speaker of the MPR RI also extended his congratulations on the election of Miftahul and Gus Kikin. He noted that the 35th NU Muktamar was conducted successfully, characterised by a sense of kinship and closeness.
“We hope this organisation will continue to provide a significant contribution to the future of Indonesia’s development, to harmony, unity, brotherhood, and religious tolerance,” he said.
Gus Kikin was officially elected as the General Chairman of PBNU for the 2026-2031 term during the 35th NU Muktamar at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Tambakberas, Jombang, on Monday (31/8).
Gus Kikin was selected through the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi (AHWA) mechanism after receiving written endorsement from the Rais Aam and securing the highest number of votes from the delegates. Gus Kikin garnered 472 votes, surpassing four other candidates during the Plenary Session of the 35th NU Muktamar.
The decision regarding Gus Kikin’s election was announced directly by AHWA member KH Anwar Iskandar, alongside senior clerics from the council.
“After deliberating among the five proposed candidates, the AHWA members have reached a consensus to elect KH Abdul Hakim, commonly known as Gus Kikin, as the General Chairman of PBNU for the 2026-2031 term,” said Kiai Anwar, while reading the AHWA decision at the Plenary Session Hall of the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School, Jombang, on Monday morning.
He noted that the AHWA meeting was held privately at Ndalem Kasepuhan from 06:20 WIB to 07:00 WIB, commencing with the recitation of Ummul Quran and concluding with a prayer by KH Anwar Manshur.
Kiai Anwar also mentioned that the official minutes designating Gus Kikin as General Chairman have been signed by nine AHWA clerics, including KH Nurul Huda Dazuli, TGK KH Nuruzzahri Yahya, KH Baharuddin HS, the newly elected Rais Aam KH Miftakhul Akhyar, KH Afifuddin Muhajir, KH Anwar Iskandar, KH Anwar Manshur, KH Said Aqil Siradj, and KH Abun Bunyamin.