Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Jakarta, November 22, 2025 – Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, is calling for its chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf, to resign following controversy over an invitation he issued earlier this year. With around 100 million members globally, NU has given Staquf a three-day window to resign or risk termination from his role.
The uproar originated from Staquf's invitation to Peter Berkowitz, an American who has garnered attention for his strong pro-Israel stance, to an NU training session in August. Berkowitz's open support for Israel's actions in Gaza and his critiques of Palestinian leaders have provoked a backlash among NU's senior leadership.
In addition to the invitation controversy, concerns were raised about potential financial mismanagement during Staquf’s leadership. Najib Azca, a member of NU's official board, stated that the leadership deemed the invitation inappropriate considering NU’s historical backing of Palestinian rights, as well as Indonesia's diplomatic position that does not recognize Israel.
Staquf, who took over as chairman in 2021, has expressed remorse over the situation, labeling the oversight as a failure to adequately vet Berkowitz's credentials. However, he has not provided further comments regarding the calls for his resignation.
Yusuf Saifullah, NU’s Secretary-General, has urged members to remain calm and not be swayed by inaccurate reporting, stressing that the leadership is addressing the matter through appropriate internal channels.
As the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has consistently denounced Israel’s military actions in Gaza and supports a two-state resolution to the Israel-Palestine issue. The invitation to Berkowitz is viewed as squarely opposed to NU’s principles and Indonesia’s official stance.
This situation has drawn widespread attention both domestically and internationally, as NU seeks to navigate the internal conflict and preserve its esteemed standing on the global stage.
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