Gus Ipul Asserts 35th NU Muktamar Results are Valid and Transparent
The outgoing Secretary General of PBNU and Chairman of the 35th NU Muktamar Committee, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), has ensured that all decisions made during the congress are valid. All outcomes of the event have been processed transparently in accordance with the organisation’s governing regulations.
This statement was made during a press conference at the PBNU Building in Jakarta. He was accompanied by committee members including SC Secretary Prof M Nuh, as well as prominent figures KH Ahmad Suaidi and Neng Alisa Wahid. Also present were KH Kholil Nafis, KH Sholahudin Al Ayub, and KH Mahbub Maafi from the relevant commissions.
Gus Ipul dismissed public doubts regarding the legitimacy of the event, guaranteeing that the entire series of the highest consultative assembly did not violate any rules.
“I wish to convey that all results of this Muktamar are valid and in accordance with all existing provisions,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Thursday (3/9/2026).
One of the most crucial decisions in this Muktamar was the strengthening of the supremacy of the Syuriah within the Nahdlatul Ulama leadership structure. This was realised through a drastic change in the election mechanism for the PBNU Chairperson. The top leadership will no longer be chosen through a majority voting system or ‘one man, one vote’.
The new mechanism requires congress participants to first propose names for the chairperson position. The five names with the most support are then submitted directly to the elected Rais Aam, along with members of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA). They will deliberate and determine the PBNU Chairperson through consensus.
This change in the system is considered to restore the dignity of the highest leadership to its proper place.
“This is one of the important results of the 35th Muktamar. This mechanism strengthens the position and supremacy of the Syuriah,” he said.
He also refuted various rumours on social media questioning the validity of the process for electing the new top leadership. The appointment of KH Miftachul Akhyar as Rais Aam and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) as PBNU Chairperson was confirmed to be in accordance with the regulations. Gus Ipul guaranteed that no stage of the election process was bypassed.
He asserted that negative reports outside the Muktamar area are entirely unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the sessions.
“The election of KH Miftly Akhyar and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz is legitimate, valid, and open, with the entire process following the regulations. Various reports circulating elsewhere do not align with the existing facts,” he emphasised.
Gus Ipul called upon the entire Nahdlatul Ulama family to accept the decisions with an open mind. The new PBNU leadership requires full support to carry out the organisation’s mandate effectively. He noted that criticism and suggestions remain open as material for evaluation for the upcoming administration.
All members of the Nahdliyin community are encouraged to unite in supporting the scholars who have been entrusted with such significant responsibilities.
“We joyfully welcome all the results of the Muktamar and welcome the new leadership of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board. Let us respect and uphold our scholars together,” he said.
In closing, he issued a special message to all NU members and students (santri) at the grassroots level. He stated that differences in opinion must be handled with proper etiquette, without making baseless accusations.
“Do not make statements that are inappropriate for a student (santri). Do not make comments that are slanderous, especially towards our scholars,” he concluded.