Special Message from Senior AHWA Clerics to Rais Aam KH Miftachul Akhyar
Senior members of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) have delivered a special message to KH Miftachul Akhyar following his re-election as the Rais Aam of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 term, during the 35th NU Muktamar.
One of the elected AHWA members, KH Anwar Iskandar, revealed that the message serves as a collective mandate from all AHWA members to the newly elected Rais Aam to embrace all existing elements within the NU body.
The AHWA members include KH Nurul Huda Dazuli, TGK KH Nuruzzahri Yahya, KH Baharuddin HS, KH Miftakhul Akhyar, KH Afifuddin Muhajir, KH Anwar Iskandar, KH Anwar Manshur, KH Said Aqil Siradj, and KH Abun Bunyamin.
“There is a note which is a message from all members of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi: The elected Rais Aam is mandated to invite all potential forces within Nahdlatul Ulama, in whatever form, to work together in the future to nurture and manage Nahdlatul Ulama,” said Kiai Anwar while reading the minutes in the muktamar session room at the Multi-Purpose Building (GSG) of Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, Tambakberas, Jombang, on Sunday (31/8).
He mentioned that the message also emphasised that the elected Rais Aam should embrace all parties regardless of their background in previous organisational dynamics.
“So, whatever the previous background in these organisational dynamics may be, we will invite everyone. That is the message from the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi to the elected Rais Aam,” he stated.
Previously, KH Miftachul Akhyar was re-elected as the Rais Aam of PBNU for the 2026-2031 term based on the deliberations of nine senior NU clerics belonging to the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) council.
The deliberation was held privately at Ndalem Kasepuhan, the residence of KH Wahab Hasbullah, at the site of the 35th NU Muktamar in Pondok Pesamen Bahrul Ulum, Jombang, East Java, on Sunday (30/8).
Observations at the deliberation site showed that the meeting began around 21:00 WIB, with the senior clerics emerging from Ndalem Kasepuhan at approximately 23:00 WIB.
The election of Kiai Miftach was announced directly by Kiai Anwar Iskandar, accompanied by fellow AHWA member KH Said Aqil Siradj.
“After conducting private deliberations, the AHWA members have unanimously decided that the name KH Miftachul Akhyar is chosen as the Rais Aam of PBNU for the 2026-2031 term,” said Kiai Anwar at the Plenary Session V Building, Multi-Purpose Building of Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, Tambakberas, Jombang.
Kiai Anwar stated that the minutes of the appointment of Kiai Miftach as Rais Aam have been signed by the nine AHWA members: KH Nurul Huda Dazuli, TGK KH Nuruzzahri Yahya, KH Baharuddin HS, KH Miftakhul Akhyar, KH Afifuddin Muhajir, KH Anwar Iskandar, KH Anwar Manshur, KH Said Aqil Siradj, and KH Abun Bunyamin.
“Thus is the result of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi meeting at this 35th Muktamar. This is what we can convey regarding the decision of the meeting tonight. May our steps and our struggles always be blessed by Allah SWT,” he concluded.
KH Miftachul Akhyar is the caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Miftachus Sunnah, Surabaya, and served as the Rais Aam of PBNU for the 2021-2026 period. His leadership journey within NU progressed from Rais Syuriyah of PCNU Surabaya to Rais Syuriyah of PWNU East Java, and through roles as Deputy Rais Aam and Acting Rais Aam of PBNU before his definitive appointment.
Kiai Miftach also served as the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for the 2020-2025 period.