Kediri,Indonesia – A major rift within Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU),Indonesia’s largest independent Muslim organization,appears to be easing after a key meeting aimed at resolving internal disputes. The organization’s executive board and advisory council agreed on Thursday, December 25, 2025, to hold the 35th Congress “as soon as possible.”
path to Congress: A Delicate Reconciliation
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The decision follows weeks of escalating conflict triggered by the dismissal of Gus Yahya from his position. The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress will be scheduled imminently, following a decision reached after deliberation involving key PBNU figures. The meeting at the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School signaled a potential thaw in a growing dispute,with Gus yahya and Kiai Miftach agreeing to jointly oversee the congress arrangements.
- The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress will be scheduled imminently.
- The decision to hold the congress was reached after deliberation involving key PBNU figures.
- The meeting at the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School signaled a potential thaw in a growing dispute.
- Gus Yahya and Kiai Miftach will jointly oversee the congress arrangements.
“Determining that the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress be held as soon as possible by Rais ‘Aam PBNU (KH Miftachul Akhyar) and the general Chairperson of PBNU (KH Yahya Cholil Staquf), by involving Mustasyar PBNU, elders, and Islamic boarding school administrators in determining the time, place and committee of the Congress,” the decision stated.
A History of Deliberation
The path to this agreement wasn’t swift. Following Gus Yahya’s dismissal, tensions rose, prompting a series of deliberation initiatives by PBNU Mustasyar, elders, and ulama. These meetings took place at the Al-Falah Ploso kediri Islamic Boarding School, Tebuireng Jombang Islamic Boarding School, culminating in a “Kubro Deliberation” at the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in Kediri on December 21, 2025, which coincided with 1 Rajab 1447 AH. The Kubro Deliberation drew Regional Management and Branch Managers from across Indonesia.
Kiai Miftach initiated the Syuriyah consultation Meeting with Mustasyar through a letter dated December 24, 2025 (number 4829/PB.02/AI01.02/99/12/2025). Gus Yahya’s attendance was confirmed via an official invitation from KH M.Anwar Manshur, the Head of the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School (number 064/A/AZM/P2L/XII/2025).
A Moment of Reconciliation
The meeting concluded with a visibly emotional display of reconciliation. A circulating 1 minute and 9 second video showed Gus Yahya, appearing somber, respectfully kissing the hands and cheeks of Kiai Miftach, who responded with a warm smile. This gesture of respect continued as Gus Yahya also greeted Mustasyar PBNU KH Ma’ruf Amin, KH Anwar Manshur, and KH Nurul Huda Djazuli with similar displays of affection, even embracing KH Nurul Huda Djazuli for approximately five seconds before greeting Rais Syuriyah PBNU and KH Abdullah Kafabih Mahrus.
Among those present were prominent figures including KH Ma’ruf Amin, KH Anwar Manshur, KH Nurul Huda Djazuli, Prof Machasin, KH Abdullah Kafabihi Mahrus, KH Idris Hamid, KH Mu’adz Thohir, KH Muhibbul aman Aly, KH Imam Buchori Cholil, KH Muhammad Cholil Nafis, H mohammad Nuh, KH. Athoillah Sholahuddin Anwar, KH Ahmad Nadhif Abdul Mujib, KH Afifuddin Dimyathi (Gus Awis), KH Abdul Latif Malik, Gus Aunullah A’lal Habib, H Tajul Mafakhir, H Abdul Moqsith Ghazali, and H Sarmidi Husna.
