Congress mandates guide the agenda
Gus Ipul said the board would work to consolidate the organization, strengthen NU's outreach among young people and introduce technology into every organizational activity. He described those priorities as mandates from the NU Congress.
Social welfare, education, health and digitalization are among the main areas of work. The board's seven deputy chairmen will translate the mandates into programs within their respective fields, he said.
Appointments and pledge
PBNU Chairman KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, commonly known as Gus Kikin, read the decree confirming the new leadership. The document formally appointed the people listed in its attachment to serve on the board for 2026–2031.
NU Online identified the decree as No. 2/PB.01/A.II.01.01/99/09/2026. It ratified the board's composition and personnel, citing the fourth and fifth plenary sessions of the 35th NU Congress, held August 30–31, 2026, corresponding to 17–18 Rabiul Awal 1448 H.
The baiat, or pledge of allegiance, was led by Rais Aam PBNU KH Miftachul Akhyar rather than the chairman, according to NU Online. All board members repeated the pledge after him, committing to uphold Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, defend Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah Islam, and follow NU's Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART) and organizational regulations.
Gus Kikin instructed the officials to fulfill their duties under the Preamble of NU's Foundation Law, its Bylaws and Regulations, and the rules adopted during the board's deliberations. They must report on their responsibilities at the 36th NU Congress. The decree took effect on the date it was established and provides for review if changes or errors arise.
Several officials attended in white clothing, with the men also wearing sarongs. Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, was among those present; Metro TV News reported that he wore a sarong typical of Nahdliyin dress.
The board and its chairman
The 210-person board includes Secretary General Gudfan Arif, known as Gus Gudfan, and Treasurer Ainun Na'im, according to Metro TV News. Katib Aam PBNU Mohammad Nuh had announced the full lineup on September 30, 2026, at the PBNU building in Central Jakarta.
Gus Kikin was chosen as chairman by the nine-member Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang on August 31, 2026, NU Online reported. He is the caretaker, or pengasuh, of Pesantren Tebuireng and a great-grandson of NU founder KH Hasyim Asy'ari.
Born in Jombang, East Java, on August 17, 1959, Gus Kikin trained at the Jakarta Merchant Marine College (STIP) from 1975 to 1979. According to NU Online's profile, he worked in shipping and went on to control as many as 22 companies.
He returned to Pesantren Tebuireng as deputy caretaker in 2016. Following the death of KH Salahuddin Wahid, known as Gus Sholah, he became its eighth caretaker in 2020. He also previously served as chairman of PWNU East Java.
