PBNU Chairman Gus Kikin Meets Saudi Ambassador on First Day at Office, Eyes Strengthened Cooperation

KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, widely known as Gus Kikin, the new Chairman of the Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, held a meeting with Saudi Arabian Ambassador Faisal Abdullah Al-Amoudi at the Saudi Embassy in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday (4/9/2026). This meeting took place on Gus Kikin's first day working at the PBNU office. "This is a coincidence, I am also in Jakarta, and today is my first day at the PBNU office. Then we communicated and I was invited, and we have known each other for a long time, and this relationship has existed for quite some time," Gus Kikin said after the meeting at the Saudi Ambassador's residence. Gus Kikin stated that NU is always open to cooperation with Saudi Arabia. According to him, the relationship between NU and Saudi Arabia has always been very close. "NU is always open to cooperation, and so is Saudi. Perhaps others will follow, but we will also enhance the already good relationship with Saudi," he added. He mentioned that no specific discussions were held today, but future plans and steps might be discussed later. Meanwhile, Faisal Abdullah congratulated Gus Kikin on his election as the new Chairman of PBNU and wished him success in his leadership. "Of course, these are congratulations to the new Chairman of PBNU, with whom we have a very good and strong relationship," said Faisal Abdullah. Faisal Abdullah reiterated that Saudi Arabia maintains good relations with all Islamic organizations in Indonesia, especially with Nahdlatul Ulama.