NU elects new chief as indirect vote draws political scrutiny

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, has elected its new chairman through a historic indirect voting system. The decision was made by nine senior clerics on the Ahlul Halli Wal-Aqdi (AHWA) council, who unanimously selected Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, also known as Gus Kikin, as the new NU chairman for a five-year term. This marks the first time NU has elected a chairman indirectly, a shift from the previous direct vote by delegates.

The election took place at NU's 35th national congress, which concluded on Monday morning. Four candidates were nominated for the position, including outgoing chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf and deputy chairman Zulfa Mustofa. However, Gus Kikin emerged victorious.

In his inaugural address, Gus Kikin expressed optimism about NU's future and its potential collaboration with President Prabowo Subianto's administration to strengthen national unity. He stated, "We can make Indonesia [better] going forward," and emphasized the organization's large grassroots base, which he hopes will contribute to a calmer and more cohesive society.

Born in Jombang and the 68-year-old cleric is a great-grandson of NU's founder and national hero, Hasyim Asy'ari, giving him one of the organization's most distinguished clerical pedigrees. The indirect voting system, intended to protect NU from external influence, has instead sparked concerns over potential political interference.