PBNU Leadership Dispute: Elders Gather to Seek Resolution After Chairman’s Dismissal
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A critical meeting convened at the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School on Saturday, December 6, 2025, brought together senior leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest independent Muslim organization, to address a recent decision to remove KH Yahya Cholil Staquf as general chairman.
The gathering of mustasyar, syuriyah, and tanfidziyah ranks represents a significant effort to navigate internal challenges and chart a path forward for the influential organization. The first session concluded with an exchange of information, but no immediate resolutions were reached, according to attendees.
A senior official stated the forum, initiated by the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School through KH Umar Wahid (Gus Umar), provided a crucial platform to directly convey concerns regarding issues within PBNU to experienced religious leaders. “My job is to convey what is happening,” the official explained, adding that the meeting served as a follow-up to earlier discussions in Ploso, aimed at identifying “the best solutions for Nahdlatul Ulama.”
Syuriyah Stands Firm on Dismissal Decision
The core of the current dispute centers on the syuriyah’s decision to dismiss KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, commonly known as Gus Yahya, from his position as general chairman. According to reports, the decision was not based on personal grievances but stemmed from organizational concerns.
“There are no individual disputes, but the context is the context because there was a mistake. And because of that mistake, sanctions were given, resignation or dismissal,” the official clarified. Despite calls for reconsideration, the syuriyah maintains its position. “For Syuriyah, what decisions have been taken at the Syuriyah Daily Meeting and the position of Syuriyah as supremacy in the PBNU organizational structure, of course that has been completed,” the official affirmed.
Balancing Tradition and Organizational Structure
While acknowledging the importance of input from elder kiai (religious scholars), the official emphasized the need to adhere to established organizational procedures. “Any input is well received. But there are institutions that make decisions. Namely organizational institutions,” they stated. “Apart from the very noble ideas of them, okay. But the final decision must go through an organizational mechanism. Because this is an organizational issue.”
The official expressed hope that the ongoing discussions will yield constructive insights. “Hopefully, no matter how small the opportunity is, if it is for the good of Nahdlatul Ulama we have to follow up, we look for it, so that once again it is for the good of Nahdlatul Ulama.”
Second Session Underway
As of Saturday, December 6, 2025, the second session of the gathering was still in progress behind closed doors. Media access to the forum was restricted. Present at the meeting were Chairman of PBNU KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, Secretary General H Amin Said Husni, General Treasurer H Sumantri Suwarno, Katib Aam PBNU KH Akhmad Said Asrori, and several other prominent kiai.
The outcome of the second session remains to be seen, but the gathering underscores the complexities of leadership transitions and the importance of maintaining unity within one of Indonesia’s most influential Islamic organizations.
