Leading PBNU, Gus Kikin Promises to Continue Visiting PWNU East Java
I will continue to make efforts to visit, perhaps once a month on a Tuesday.
Surabaya (ANTARA) - The elected General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, or Gus Kikin, has promised to maintain closeness with the East Java Regional Nahdlatul Ulama Board (PWNU) despite having to carry out more duties in Jakarta.
“I am grateful that the Muktamar proceeded smoothly and that the decision by PWNU East Java to assign me was also a success; however, I will not forget East Java, even though I will spend much of my time in Jakarta,” he said during the Thanksgiving ceremony for the 35th NU Muktamar and the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad SAW at the PWNU East Java Office, Surabaya, on Tuesday.
Gus Kikin stated that he rose to the leadership of PBNU after receiving an assignment from PWNU East Java, and therefore maintains a strong bond with the NU administration in that province.
He also promised to make time to visit the PWNU East Java Office amidst his busy schedule leading PBNU.
“I will continue to make efforts to stop by, perhaps once a month on a Tuesday,” he said.
Gus Kikin was appointed as the General Chairman of PBNU for the 2026–2031 term through the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) deliberation during the 35th NU Muktamar at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School, Jombang, on 31 August 2026.
During the Muktamar, KH Miftachul Akhyar was reappointed as the Rais Aam of PBNU for the 2026–2031 term.
The Deputy Rais Syuriyah of PWNU East Java, KH Abdul Matin Jawahir, expressed his gratitude for the smooth execution of the 35th NU Muktamar and the election of Gus Kikin as General Chairman of PBNU.
“Not only that, but the struggle of PWNU East Java for the election of PBNU leadership, both for the Rais Aam and the General Chairman, through AHWA was also successful; since the 2015 Muktamar, AHWA has only been used for the Rais Aam,” he said.
According to him, the AHWA mechanism ensures that the process of appointing NU leadership is conducted through deliberation to reach a consensus.
Gus Kikin previously served as the Chairman of PWNU East Java before being elected as the General Chairman of PBNU for the 2026–2031 period.