Prabowo Congratulates Gus Kikin and Miftahul Achyar

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has congratulated the new leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) for the 2026-2031 term, following their election at the 35th NU Muktamar held at the Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java.

The 35th Muktamar resulted in the election of KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, also known as Gus Kikin, as the new General Chairman of PBNU, while Miftahul Achyar was elected as the Rais Aam.

“I offer my congratulations to the elected NU leaders. I also congratulate the successful, harmonious, and peaceful conduct of the Muktamar,” said Prabowo during the closing ceremony of the Muktamar.

He noted that the Nahdliyin members and the Muktamar delegates have set a positive example for the nation and the state. Prabowo remarked that the 35th Muktamar served as a model for healthy competition amidst ongoing political dynamics.

“How an organisation with tens of millions of members, thousands of boarding schools, and tens of thousands of clerics can conduct a Muktamar so successfully, peacefully, and harmoniously,” he said.

“Congratulations on the successful implementation of the 35th Muktamar. The state, the nation, and the Ummah await the dedicated service of Nahdlatul Ulama in the days, months, and years to come,” he added.

The 35th NU Muktamar lasted for five days, opening on Thursday (27/8) and concluding on Monday (31/8).

One of the key outcomes of the 35th Muktamar was the election of Gus Kikin as the General Chairman of PBNU for the 2026-2031 period. He was selected through the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi (AHWA) process after receiving written endorsement from the elected Rais Aam and securing the highest number of votes from delegates, with 472 votes, surpassing four other candidates during the fifth plenary session of the Muktamar.

Gus Kikin is the caretaker of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School, entrusted to continue the legacy of KH Salahuddin Wahid, also known as Gus Sholah, who passed away in 2020.