Nahdlatul Ulama elects new leadership at 35th Muktamar

The 35th Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Jombang has concluded with the election of new leadership for the 2026–2031 term. KH Miftachul Akhyar has been elected as Rais Aam, and Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) has been selected as the General Chairman of PBNU.

During a press conference at the PBNU building in Jakarta, Organizing Committee Chairman Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) addressed various internal dynamics and narratives surrounding the congress. He dismissed claims that the organizational decisions were influenced by student groups such as PMII or HMI, stating that the Muktamar is an issue for the entirety of Nahdlatul Ulama and should not be reduced to inter-group sentiments.

Gus Ipul also denied rumors regarding a ‘Palace Package’ or external intervention in the election process, asserting that all decisions were made through transparent organizational mechanisms and official meetings. The leadership contest featured several major factions, including Gus Kikin’s group, which utilized a broad network of political figures and structural influence, as well as other candidates focusing on pesantren networks and organizational reform.