Gus Kikin Officially Leads PBNU, Cak Imin Urges Adherence to Qonun Asasi
National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairman Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, known as Cak Imin, has congratulated KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, or Gus Kikin, on his election as Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2026–2031 period.
Gus Kikin was confirmed as PBNU Chairman at the 35th NU Congress held at Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java, on Monday, 31 August 2026.
Cak Imin prayed that Gus Kikin would be granted strength and ease in carrying out the mandate of leading PBNU for the next five years.
“Congratulations on your struggle, Gus Kikin. May you succeed with the blessing and help of Allah SWT,” said Cak Imin in his statement on Monday, 31 August 2026.
Cak Imin expressed hope that Gus Kikin would lead by firmly adhering to the Qonun Asasi of Nahdlatul Ulama and remain steadfast in carrying out the organisation’s mandate.
“Congratulations on your struggle to implement the Qonun Asasi. May you always remain steadfast. Aamiin,” he said.
Cak Imin also conveyed a message that the future PBNU leadership should draw lessons from the dynamics of the past five years.
“Let us learn from the experience of these last five years. God willing, goodness will erase wrongdoing,” said Cak Imin.
Gus Kikin was confirmed as PBNU Chairman after nine members of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) deliberated and reached a consensus decision.
In that forum, the AHWA appointed KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, or Gus Kikin, as PBNU Chairman for the 2026–2031 term of service. The appointment completed the PBNU leadership structure after KH Miftachul Akhyar was named Rais Aam of PBNU for the same term.
Before entering the AHWA deliberation stage, the 35th NU Congress process first gathered names of prospective PBNU Chairman candidates from PWNU, PCNU, and PCINU elements.
Five names on the candidate list were KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz or Gus Kikin, KH Zulfa Mustofa, KH Abdussalam Sochib or Gus Salam, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf or Gus Yahya, and KH Abdul Ghofar Rozin or Gus Rozin.
In the selection stage, Gus Kikin received the highest support with 472 votes. KH Zulfa Mustofa received 262 votes, KH Abdussalam Sochib 261 votes, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf 258 votes, and KH Abdul Ghofar Rozin 155 votes.