KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, or Gus Yahya, affirms he remains the general chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) constitutionally despite a circular letter dismissing him. He deems the decision unconstitutional and only possible through a congress. Gus Yahya calls for resolving the polemic via the organization's highest forum to preserve NU's unity.
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Circular Letter No. 4785/PB.02/A.II.10.01/99/11/2025 circulated, signed by PBNU Deputy Supreme Council Head Afifuddin Muhajir and PBNU Preacher Ahmad Tajul Mafakir. The letter states that Gus Yahya is no longer the general chairman of PBNU effective November 26, 2025, revoking his authority and rights to use job attributes and facilities.
In response, Gus Yahya held a press conference at the PBNU Building in Central Jakarta on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He affirmed his position as a congress mandate holder cannot be dismissed except through a congress or extraordinary congress. "As a mandate holder, I cannot possibly be dismissed except through a congress. I was asked to resign and I refuse to resign; I state I will not resign and I cannot be dismissed except through a congress," he said.
Gus Yahya deemed the daily syuriah meeting process underlying the circular unfounded, as it denied clarification opportunities and exceeded authority. "The daily syuriah meeting process is unacceptable because it only throws accusations and prohibits me from providing clarification, but then directly establishes a punitive decision. This is clearly unacceptable," he stated. He added that no NU official has unlimited authority; all are governed by the organization's constitution.
Furthermore, Gus Yahya acknowledged mistakes during his leadership. "Of course, in leading, I am not free from mistakes... I know that as general chairman, I clearly made mistakes because no one is perfect," he revealed. He urged all parties to resolve the polemic through congress to safeguard NU's integrity and suspected division attempts. "Let us resolve it through Congress so that organizational unity is maintained and organizational integrity is not tarnished," he appealed.