Indonesian Islamic Organization Nahdlatul Ulama Seeks Internal Resolution Amid Leadership Concerns
A series of high-level deliberations are underway within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest independent Islamic organization, as prominent figures attempt to navigate internal disputes and reinforce organizational integrity.
The Lirboyo Kediri Islamic Boarding School in East Java issued an invitation on Wednesday, december 17, 2025, for a “Kubro Deliberation” focused on strengthening the integrity of Jam’iyyah Nahdlatul Ulama. The meeting, scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025, will be accessible both in-person and online, signaling a broad effort to include key stakeholders.
The invitation, signed by KH M anwar Manshur and KH Abdulloh Kafabihi Mahrus, outlines a thorough list of invitees, including members of the Mustasyar (advisory council), Syuriyah (executive council), and tanfidziyah (implementation council) of the PBNU (Central Executive Board).
The Kubro Deliberation builds upon a series of earlier meetings held at the Al-Falah Ploso Islamic Boarding School on November 30,2025,and the Tebuireng Jombang islamic Boarding School on December 6,2025. These gatherings, initiated by KH Anwar Manshur and KH Nurul Huda Djazuli at Ploso, brought together a core group of NU elders, including KH Abdul Hannan Ma’shum, KH Abdullah Kafabihi Mahrus, KH Ubaidillah Shodaqoh, and KH Kholil As’ad. Online participation included KH Ma’ruf Amin, KH Said Aqil Siroj, Dr. Umar Wahid, and KH Abdullah Ubab Maimoen.
During the Ploso forum, participants voiced significant concerns regarding internal dynamics within the PBNU Executive Board.According to sources, the elders expressed a strong desire for a swift return to peace and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and refrain from public statements that could exacerbate tensions.
Following the Ploso meeting, the Tebuireng Jombang Islamic Boarding School hosted a subsequent forum on December 6, 2025, with KH Umar Wahid and KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz serving as hosts. Attendees included KH Ma’ruf Amin,KH said Aqil Siroj,KH Anwar manshur,KH Nurul Huda Djazuli,KH Abdullah Ubab Maimoen,Nyai Hj Shinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid,and Nyai Hj Mahfudloh Aly Ubaid Wahab. Representatives from PBNU’s Syuriyah and Tanfidziyah bodies – including H Mohammad Nuh, KH Ali Akbar Marbun, KH Akhmad Said Asrori, KH Mu’adz Thohir, H Nur Hidayat, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, and H Amin Said Husni – were also present.
Four-Point Statement from Tebuireng
The NU Elders Forum at Tebuireng culminated in a four-point statement outlining their position. First, the forum asserted that any attempt to impeach the General Chairperson is not aligned with the organization’s established bylaws (AD/ART). Second, the elders acknowledged the existence of information suggesting potential violations or errors in decision-making by the current General Chairperson, emphasizing the need for clarification through proper organizational channels.
Third, the forum recommended postponing any Plenary Meeting to determine an acting leader until all due processes and deliberations are completed in accordance with organizational regulations. the statement called for restraint from all parties and urged the maintenance of organizational order to prevent further escalation of tensions.
The forum underscored the importance of resolving internal issues through established jam’iyah mechanisms, safeguarding NU’s authority as a respected religious organization and a vital national asset. The upcoming Kubro Deliberation at Lirboyo represents a critical step in this ongoing effort to address internal challenges and reaffirm the strength and unity of Nahdlatul Ulama.
