Heru Andriyanto, Nanda Andrianta, Surabaya – The chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) – the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia – Yahya Cholil Staquf on Sunday firmly rejected demands from a faction within the group calling for his resignation.
Yahya's leadership has come under intense scrutiny following the invitation of American scholar Peter Berkowitz – known for pro-Israel views – to speak at the NU National Leadership Academy in Jakarta on August 15.
Yahya himself has been a subject of controversy in the past for his 2018 visit to Israel, during which he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On November 20, a gathering of senior NU clerics, led by Miftachul Akhyar, recommended that Yahya be removed over the decision to host Berkowitz.
In response, Yahya convened an emergency coordination meeting in Surabaya with NU provincial leaders from across the country in a show of consolidation.
"I have absolutely no intention of resigning. I was entrusted to lead this organization for five years," said Yahya, who began his term in 2021.
He argued that the council of senior clerics who issued the recommendation does not have the authority to demand the chairman's resignation.
Yahya, 59, also acknowledged that he has often been accused of being pro-Zionist due to his past meeting with Netanyahu, but maintained that his visit to Israel was intended to advocate for the rights of Palestinians on behalf of NU.
He claimed that NU regional leaders expressed support for him to serve his full term until 2026 during the Surabaya meeting.
Signs of strained leadership at NU
The press briefing also revealed signs of tension between Yahya and NU Secretary-General Saifullah Yusuf, who also serves as Indonesia's social affairs minister.
Saifullah had earlier described the proposal for Yahya's removal as "part of organizational dynamics."
Asked to comment, Yahya gave a pointed response:
"From my point of view, our relationship has been fine. But he (Saifullah) is perhaps too busy – he never contacts me. In fact, we have not communicated in a very long time."
Timeline: How the Israel controversy sparked internal turmoil in Nahdlatul Ulama
June 14, 2018 – Yahya's visit to Israel
Yahya Cholil Staquf, then NU's Secretary-General, visits Israel and meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The visit draws widespread backlash from Indonesian Muslim organizations and pro-Palestinian groups. Yahya says the purpose was to communicate NU's advocacy for Palestinian rights.
December 24, 2021 – Yahya elected chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama
Yahya begins a five-year term as NU chairman, raising hopes among critics and supporters that past controversies will not recur.
August 15, 2025 – Invitation of Peter Berkowitz
The NU National Leadership Academy in Jakarta invites American academic Peter Berkowitz, publicly known for pro-Israel views, to deliver a lecture. The decision triggers strong internal criticism, with NU figures questioning the political judgment and sensitivities of the invitation.
August-November 2025 – Rising internal tension
Accusations circulate within NU that Yahya maintains ties with Israeli political circles. Yahya reiterates that his past engagement with Israeli authorities was strategic diplomacy to defend Palestinian rights, not political alignment.
November 20, 2025 – Senior clerics recommend Yahya's removal
A meeting of senior NU clerics led by Miftachul Akhyar issues a formal recommendation that Yahya be dismissed as chairman due to the Berkowitz invitation. The recommendation does not carry constitutional authority, but it deepens the divide between internal factions.
November 22, 2025 – Yahya consolidates support
Yahya convenes a coordination meeting with provincial NU leadership in Surabaya. Regional leaders reportedly support Yahya remaining in office through 2026, asserting that grassroots legitimacy should outweigh pressure from a faction of senior clerics.