PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya, has affirmed he has no intention of resigning amid internal organizational dynamics. He rejects calls from the Majelis Syuriyah for his resignation over inviting a pro-Israel scholar to an NU event. Gus Yahya hopes for swift reconciliation to preserve NU's unity.
Yahya Cholil Staquf, or Gus Yahya, Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) since the 34th Congress in 2021, stated his term lasts five years and will be fully served. This was said after a coordination meeting with Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Leadership Councils (PWNU) in Surabaya, East Java, on Sunday early morning, November 23, 2025.
Internal dynamics arose following a daily Syuriyah PBNU meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, producing minutes calling for Gus Yahya's resignation. The document circulated in media and public, but Gus Yahya claimed he has not received any official letter. He emphasized the need for authenticity verification, such as through digital signatures commonly used by the organization. "Syuriyah PBNU also has no authority to dismiss the chairman position," he said.
The main trigger was Gus Yahya's invitation to Peter Berkowitz, a US scholar and former official supporting Israel's military campaign in Gaza, to an internal NU training event in August 2025. Berkowitz spoke on the history of Western political thought at an NU seminar. PBNU's Rais Aam gave Gus Yahya three days to resign or face potential dismissal. Israeli media, Times of Israel, highlighted the issue, noting Gus Yahya's apology for failing to thoroughly check Berkowitz's background. He reaffirmed his stance condemning Israel's "genocide actions in Gaza," though Israel denies the accusations following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Gus Yahya dismissed rumors of receiving billions in funds, stating he will not act without clear evidence. He has communicated with Syuriyah and is scheduled to meet ulama on November 23, 2025, for discussions, advice, and prayers to maintain NU's unity, an organization with around 100 million members in Indonesia, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel and consistently criticizes actions in Gaza.
He committed to finding the best solution for NU's and the nation's welfare, hoping for reconciliation with senior kiai and related structures soon.
