PBNU General Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya, rejects his dismissal attempt by the Syuriyah Daily Meeting and states the decision cannot go to Majelis Tahkim as it clearly violates AD/ART. PBNU Secretariat denies sabotage claims on the digital dismissal letter. The incident highlights internal conflict within Nahdlatul Ulama.
Internal conflict within the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has intensified after the Syuriyah Daily Meeting on Friday night called for Gus Yahya to step down as General Chairman. In a press conference at PBNU headquarters in Jakarta on Friday (29/11/2025), Gus Yahya asserted that the decision lacks basis for referral to Majelis Tahkim. "Masjid Tahkim itu, itu kalau ada dispute itu terkait aturan, kalau ada misalnya perbedaan informasi mengenai fakta kejadian ada perbedaan tafsir mengenai aturan," he told Republika.co.id.
He added, "Nah, dalam soal keputusan rapat harian Syuriyah malam Jumat lalu, itu tidak ada dispute. Itu clear, absolut, memang tidak sesuai dengan aturan. Mau ditahkimi apa lagi?" Gus Yahya views the rule violation as blatant when referenced against PBNU's Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART).
Meanwhile, PBNU Secretariat denies sabotage allegations regarding the digital dismissal letter for Gus Yahya. Secretariat staff Mutowif calls the narrative misleading. The digital system is designed for internal control to ensure letters comply with AD/ART. If standards are not met, documents are marked as draft or 'TTD Belum Sah'. "Fakta bahwa QR Code pada surat pemberhentian Gus Yahya menampilkan status belum sah adalah bukti sistem berjalan sebagaimana mestinya, bukan alat sabotase," Mutowif stated on Saturday (29/11/2025).
Mutowif describes the Syuriyah Daily Meeting's action as a 'constitutional coup' since it lacks authority to dismiss the General Chairman; only the Muktamar holds that power. "Tindakan itu berada di luar ruang kewenangan, ultra vires, dan dilakukan tanpa memberi ruang pembelaan," he said. He emphasizes safeguarding AD/ART for organizational legitimacy. "Pertanyaannya sederhana, jika aturan bisa dilanggar dan kita diamkan, untuk apa aturan itu dibuat? Menjaga aturan main adalah bentuk kejujuran terhadap organisasi," he added. The sabotage issue is seen as a distraction from the more serious procedural violation.