Controversy and Calls for Resignation

Yahya Cholil Staquf, chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization,⁢ faces a demand for his resignation or removal from his post. The organization’s leadership gave him three days to comply, according to minutes from a meeting held on Thursday, November 21, 2025.

NU’s central board cited two primary reasons for seeking staquf’s⁤ ouster: his ⁢invitation to Peter Berkowitz, a ⁤former U.S. official described as “affiliated with ⁢an International Zionism network,” to an internal event, and allegations of⁣ financial mismanagement within the organization.

The Berkowitz Invitation and Staquf’s Response

The controversy centers around an⁣ August training event ⁢where Peter Berkowitz spoke on the history of Western ⁤political thought. NU Deputy Secretary General Najib Azca told Reuters ⁤the⁢ invitation was the key factor in the call for Staquf’s resignation. berkowitz’s website details his⁢ writings, which frequently ⁢defend Israel’s policies,⁣ including its military campaign in Gaza, and refute accusations of genocide.

Staquf has apologized⁣ for the invitation, characterizing it as ⁢an oversight due to insufficient vetting of Berkowitz’s background. He has also publicly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza,stating he opposes “brutal genocidal acts.”

Despite the demand for his resignation,⁤ Staquf maintains he will⁤ not step down. According to local media reports, he asserts his five-year term, which began in 2021, is secure and that⁤ the leaders who convened the meeting lacked the authority to remove him.

Financial ⁣mismanagement Allegations

In addition to the Berkowitz⁣ invitation, NU leadership has accused Staquf of financial mismanagement. Details of these allegations have not been ⁤publicly released, but ⁣they form a significant part of the basis for the demand for his resignation.

Indonesia’s Position on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

This⁢ situation unfolds against⁢ the backdrop of Indonesia’s strong and⁢ consistent condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. As the world’s ⁢most populous Muslim-majority nation, indonesia has long advocated for ⁢a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and maintains no ‍diplomatic relations with Israel. Reuters reported in October⁢ 2023 that⁢ Indonesia called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following initial Israeli strikes.

Background: Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is‍ a large and influential ‍Indonesian Islamic organization founded in 1926. It plays a significant role in⁣ Indonesian politics ⁣and ⁢society, advocating for moderate Islam and promoting education⁢ and‍ social welfare. NU claims⁤ over 40 million ⁤members, making it the largest self-reliant Muslim organization in the world.Britannica provides a detailed overview of NU’s history and influence.

Next Steps and Potential Outcomes

The ⁢coming days will be critical as Staquf faces the deadline to resign.If he refuses, NU’s ⁣leadership will likely ⁢attempt to remove him ⁣through internal mechanisms, the legitimacy of which Staquf has already questioned. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications⁣ for NU’s internal dynamics and its role in Indonesian society