PBNU Leadership Secures Support, Rejects Calls for Early Resignation
A meeting of prominent Indonesian Islamic scholars reaffirmed its confidence in the current leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), the country’s largest independent Islamic organization, dismissing recent proposals for the resignation of its General Chairperson, Yahya Cholil Staquf, also known as Gus Yahya.
The gathering, held Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the PBNU Building in Jakarta, was convened by Gus Yahya himself in response to the circulation of minutes from a PBNU Syuriyah daily meeting that suggested he step down from his position. The move signals a concerted effort to stabilize the organization amidst internal discussions regarding its future direction.
Approximately 60 kiai – respected Islamic scholars – from across Indonesia attended the meeting, according to reports. A senior official emphasized that the consensus reached was a firm commitment to allow the current PBNU management to complete its term, which concludes in one year.
“Everyone agrees, there will be no impeachment, no resignation,” stated KH Said Asrori, PBNU Katib Aam, underscoring the unified stance of the assembled scholars. “The management must be perfect until the next Congress.”
The call for Gus Yahya’s resignation stemmed from minutes recorded during a closed-door meeting of the PBNU Syuriyah daily management on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Aston City Hotel in Jakarta. Those minutes, signed solely by PBNU Rais Aam KH Miftachul Akhyar, proposed a change in leadership. However, Sunday’s meeting effectively countered that proposal.
Beyond rejecting the calls for an immediate leadership change, the ulama agreed on the need for broader internal dialogue. Kiai Said explained that attendees advocated for a larger gathering, specifically including more senior scholars, to foster discussion and reconciliation. This forthcoming meeting, planned for the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, is intended to address the issues that prompted the initial calls for Gus Yahya’s departure.
“Everyone agrees that there is a problem, but everyone wants it to be resolved in a good way,” Kiai Said noted. He further urged PBNU leadership to engage in collective contemplation “for the common good, both for society, NU citizens, and for Indonesia.”
Gus Yahya himself reinforced the importance of adhering to established organizational protocols. He stressed that all communication pertaining to the organization, whether public or internal, must align with official NU regulations and its constitutional system. This directive appears aimed at preventing further unsanctioned discussions or proposals from surfacing publicly.
The PBNU leadership’s response highlights the complexities of navigating internal dissent within a large and influential organization like Nahdlatul Ulama. The planned meeting in Lirboyo represents a crucial opportunity to address underlying concerns and reaffirm the organization’s unity as it approaches its next Congress.
