Nahdlatul Ulama appoints new leadership amid political scrutiny

The 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, has concluded with the appointment of KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, as the Executive Council (PBNU) chairman for the 2026–2031 term. KH Miftachul Akhyar will continue his role as Rais Aam (Supreme Leader). Gus Kikin secured his position with 472 votes during the candidate screening phase.

The leadership transition has sparked discussions regarding the organization’s relationship with state power. While rumors have circulated suggesting the new leadership represents a government-preferred configuration, both NU figures and government representatives have denied these claims.

Observers note that while NU may engage in accommodative politics to maintain its vast social and educational networks, there is a significant emphasis on maintaining organizational sovereignty. The challenge for the new leadership is to balance engagement with the state without allowing the organization to become a tool for political transactions or a distributor of political appointments.