The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has appointed KH Zulfa Mustofa as Acting General Chairman, replacing Yahya Cholil Staquf, during a plenary meeting in Jakarta. The appointment was made through consultation among Islamic scholars and will last until the 2026 Congress. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar affirmed that the government is not interfering in the organization's internal matters.
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, a PBNU plenary meeting at Hotel Sultan in Central Jakarta resulted in the appointment of KH Zulfa Mustofa as Acting General Chairman. This replaces Yahya Cholil Staquf, or Gus Yahya, who was dismissed, following consultation among Islamic scholars sealed by PBNU's Rais Aam, KH Miftachul Akhyar. PBNU's Rais Syuriyah, H Prof Mohammad Nuh, stated, "This is the appointment of the Acting General Chairman for the remaining term, the honorable KH Zulfa Mustafa, who will lead PBNU as Acting Chairman."
Zulfa Mustofa, previously PBNU's Deputy General Chairman, will serve until the 2026 Congress, expected not to extend to year-end, reverting to the pre-Covid-19 cycle. Her key tasks include preparing the Congress, a major conference, National Consultation, and commemorating NU's centennial on January 31, 2026. Zulfa emphasized avoiding past conflicts and seeking win-win solutions, including dialogue with opposing parties. She confirmed seeking blessings from Vice President Maruf Amin, her uncle, and assured no dualism in PBNU. "Insyaallah, no (dualism)," she said.
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, attending as Deputy Rais Syuriyah PBNU, affirmed no government involvement. "NU always has its own way to resolve its issues," he said. PBNU Secretary General Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, described PBNU's mining concession as a strategic asset to be managed transparently for the benefit of the organization, pesantren, and NU members, without disputes.
