One-Month Target: Gus Kikin Accelerates Formation of New PBNU Board
The newly elected General Chairman of PBNU, KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, also known as Gus Kikin, has opened the possibility of accelerating the formation of the new leadership structure of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) following the 35th NU Muktamar. The process, which was originally targeted to be completed within a maximum of one month, could potentially be finished sooner.
Prof Ganefri, the Chair of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 35th NU Muktamar, explained that once the General Chairman of PBNU is established, the next stage is to devise the implementation plan for the formation process. The formation team has been entrusted to establish the management structure within a maximum period of one month.
The formation team consists of H Abdul Qahar Yelipele representing Highland Papua, H Amar Manaf from Maluku, Prof Mansur Ma’shum representing NTB, and KH Muhammad Wildan Salman from South Kalimantan. Additionally, the team includes KH Abdul Ghaffar Rozin representing Central Java, Prof Ganefri representing Sumatra, and the host, KH Abdul Matin Djawahir Tuban.
Gus Kikin emphasised that the one-month target is the maximum limit, meaning there is a possibility that the formation of the board could be completed earlier.
“Well, we shall see. But that is the maximum target of one month. It needs to be done quickly, so we will see. It should be able to be accelerated,” said Gus Kikin on Tuesday (1/9).
He noted that filling the organisational structure is the primary task that must be completed before PBNU can execute its organisational programmes.
“The programme remains the same, but first, we must fill the organisation. Without that, how can we work?” he added.
Regarding the four other candidates for General Chairman who were not elected—including KH Zulfa Mustofa (Kiai Zulfa), KH Abdussalam Sochib (Gus Salam), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya), and KH Abdul Ghofar Rozin—as well as other individuals, Gus Kikin ensured that all potential talents within NU will be accommodated and optimised.
“We will try to provide a platform. Because those existing potentials must indeed be optimised,” he said.
Gus Kikin stated that he will adhere strictly to the Qanun Asasi (Basic Charter) in leading NU for the 2026-2031 term. He noted that the charter already contains guidelines for human resource development, the economy, and other values.
“Human resource development is outlined in the Qanun Asasi book. We will consider everything so that it can function well, ensuring good human resources and optimising other areas, such as our economy and the land assets within NU,” he said.
“The book shows that NU is very inclusive and open. There are requirements for joining NU, and in that regard, we must be united. Togetherness is the core of NU,” he continued.
As previously reported, KH Miftachul Akhyar and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) were elected as Rais Aam and General Chairman of the PBNU for the 2026-2031 period during the 35th NU Muktamar. Both were elected through a consensus mechanism by nine senior clerics and members of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA).