Simple Inauguration of PBNU Held at Pesantren, Gus Kikin Mentions Organizational Traditions

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) stated that the inauguration at Al-Hamid Islamic Boarding School in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Saturday (24/10/2026) was conducted simply.

PBNU Chairman Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, also known as Gus Kikin, emphasized that the choice of a pesantren as the inauguration venue signifies the new administration's commitment to return to the roots of Nahdlatul Ulama tradition.

"This inauguration event was intentionally prepared simply and located in an Islamic boarding school as a marker of the new administration's commitment to returning to its roots, that is, to the pesantren which is the birthplace of the scholars who established this beloved organization," Gus Kikin said in his address on Saturday.

He stressed that the pesantren plays an important role in the journey of NU as an organization founded by scholars.

Thus, the inauguration in the pesantren environment is expected to remind all board members to uphold the traditions that form the foundation of the organization.

Gus Kikin also linked the inauguration to the theme of Santri Day 2026 celebrations.

He hopes the new PBNU administration will strengthen pesantren traditions while also maintaining the unity of the nation.

"With this PBNU inauguration at Al-Hamid Pesantren, we hope all Nahdlatul Ulama members unite and be in one line to together strengthen the roots of pesantren traditions and uphold the integrity of our beloved nation," he stated.

In addition to emphasizing the importance of pesantren traditions, Gus Kikin reminded board members to prioritize togetherness in carrying out the organization’s activities.

He acknowledged that the composition of the board has considered various representation aspects, even though some shortcomings may still exist.

"The composition of the board that we will present was prepared in the spirit of togetherness and solely aimed at the welfare of the jam'iyah and jemaah of Nahdlatul Ulama," he said.

"This board composition has been constructed by striving to consider all representation aspects, both in terms of regional distribution and intergenerational representation. Any shortcomings on one or two sides are simply because we are all human, full of limitations," he added.