Profile of Gus Kikin, awaiting a new face for PBNU

NU is not for politics. NU is a religious organisation, a community organisation.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, has been officially elected as Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 term at the 35th NU Congress held at Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java, on Monday.

Gus Kikin was elected after nine kiai of the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi (AHWA) selected him as the new PBNU Chairman, taking over from Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya.

Before being appointed as PBNU Chairman, Gus Kikin’s name was among five candidates proposed by congress participants.

The other four candidates were Zulfa Mustofa, Abdussalam Sochib or Gus Salam, Yahya Cholil Staquf or Gus Yahya, and Abdul Ghofar Rozin or Gus Rozin.

Among Nahdliyin, Gus Kikin is not an unfamiliar figure. The kiai, born in Jombang, East Java, is the caretaker of Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School in Jombang. In addition, Gus Kikin also serves as chairman of the East Java Regional Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU).

His work within the pesantren community and the NU organisation has led to his name being put forward by kiai in East Java to enter the race for PBNU Chairman.