Amid internal turmoil in Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya, asserts that the Syuriyah daily meeting lacks authority to dismiss him. Kiais in a gathering agreed to reject any impeachment and push for resolution through deliberation per the organization's bylaws. Local branches like PCNU Tulungagung maintain normal operations while awaiting an official decision.
The internal PBNU polemic emerged after the Syuriyah Daily Meeting on November 20, 2025, attended by 37 out of 53 members, which recommended that Gus Yahya resign from his position as General Chairman within three days. The minutes, signed by PBNU Rais Aam KH Miftachul Akhyar, stated that if he did not step down, Gus Yahya would be unilaterally dismissed.
On the night of November 23, 2025, Gus Yahya held a gathering with around 50 kiais from various regions at the PBNU headquarters in Central Jakarta. There, the ulama regretted the Syuriyah meeting's outcome and affirmed that the leadership must run until the end of the Muktamar period, about one year from now. PBNU Katib Aam Ahmad Said Asrori stated, "We kiais have agreed that the PBNU leadership must complete its term... All 100 percent on this."
Gus Yahya added that the Syuriyah daily meeting lacks legal authority to dismiss mandataries, per the AD/ART. "The Syuriyah daily meeting has no right to dismiss mandataries; that's the issue," he said on November 24, 2025. He also denied any political elements, attributing the polemic to differing opinions and unverified information causing slander. "What political element? Based on what analysis? All of this is unclear," he remarked.
The kiais proposed a larger meeting at Ponpes Lirboyo in Kediri, East Java, hosted by senior kiais, though no date has been set. Gus Yahya emphasized reconciliation: "There is no beneficial path except reconciliation, except islah among those with differing opinions."
Meanwhile, PCNU Tulungagung affirmed that local activities remain normal. In an online meeting of PCNU branches across Indonesia on November 23, PCNU Tulungagung Chairman KH Bagus Ahmadi stated, "We will fully obey and comply with the final decision." He urged Nahdliyin members not to get involved in the polemic and to focus on unity through deliberation.
