Born in Surabaya 67 years ago, Miftachul is a member of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia.
"Miftachul akhyar was picked as MUI chairman," said the organization in a written statement on Friday morning.
Miftachul replaced Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin. The latter was appointed as the chairman of MUI's Advisory Council.
Miftachul is an influential cleric in NU and East Java. He currently also serves as the Supreme Leader (Rais Aam Syuriah) of NU.
In addition, Amirsyah Tambunan and Misbahul Ulum were appointed as MUI's secretary general and treasurer general, respectively.
(WAH)