Sarmuji Delivers Important Message to New PBNU Chairman Gus Kikin: Embrace All Heated Groups
Jakarta, VIVA – The 35th Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has elected KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, as the new General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), with KH Miftachul Akhyar appointed as Rais Aam for the 202le-2031 period.
The Secretary General of the Golkar Party Central Board, Muhammad Sarmuji, extended his congratulations to Kiai Miftach and Gus Kikin. Sarmuji also shared the significant expectations held by the Nahdliyin community towards the new PBNU leadership.
“We certainly offer our congratulations to Kiai Miftach and Gus Kikin. We are confident that Kiai Miftach and Gus Kikin can lead NU to continue maintaining national unity,” Sarmuji stated in a briefing on Monday, 31 August 2026.
Sarmuji noted that the new PBNU leaders have the task of reuniting various factions that emerged following the Muktamar. He expressed confidence that Gus Kikin could serve as a bridge between the various groups within PBNU.
“We are certain that Gus Kikin can be an accommodative figure, embracing all groups within PBNU that may have become heated due to the Muktamar,” he explained.
“We know Gus Kikin to be a very wise figure, an exemplar who can bring harmony and peace to everyone,” he added.
Sarmuji believes that under Gus Kikin’s leadership, PBNU will become a peaceful home for the Ummah and a new source of hope for Nahdliyin members in safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
“I hope NU continues to be good news for the Indonesian nation and that Nahdliyin members can be proud to be part of it,” he expressed.
“Furthermore, PBNU will continue to uphold the teachings of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah while strengthening devotion to the NKRI,” he concluded.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Golkar Party Faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) emphasised that the PBNU leadership succession holds strategic significance for national life, given that NU is the largest Islamic organisation and a primary pillar of religious moderation in Indonesia.
“NU is a pillar of the nation. Whoever leads PBNU automatically carries the responsibility of maintaining the face of a tolerant and moderate Indonesian Islam, while serving as a strategic partner to the state in nurturing the NKRI,” said Sarmuji.
He also suggested that strengthening the community’s economy based on pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) should be a primary focus for the future PBNU administration, noting that the NU pesantren network spread across Indonesia possesses great potential as a driver of the grassroots economy.