NU Supreme Leader Calls for Yahya‘s Resignation Following Pro-Israel Speaker Controversy
Jakarta,Indonesia - November 24,2023 – The supreme leader of Nahdlatul ulama (NU),indonesia’s largest Muslim association,has requested Yahya Cholil Staquf,the current NU executive board chairman,to resign following widespread criticism over his invitation to a speaker with ties to Israel.The move comes amid mounting concerns regarding the financial management of the NU executive board under Staquf’s leadership.
The request for Staquf’s resignation marks a notable escalation in a controversy that has deeply divided the organization and sparked national debate. NU, with its tens of millions of adherents, holds considerable political and social influence in Indonesia, and its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is closely watched. The invitation to the speaker, Eyal David, a co-founder of Israel-based think tank Nascent Leaders, at a NU-affiliated event earlier this month, drew condemnation from various groups who accused Staquf of normalizing relations with Israel despite Indonesia’s long-held support for Palestinian statehood.
Beyond the diplomatic fallout, the NU’s advisory council has also voiced serious reservations about the financial practices of Staquf’s administration. The council alleges potential violations of Islamic principles, national laws, and NU’s internal regulations, warning that such mismanagement could jeopardize the organization’s legal standing. Details of the alleged financial irregularities have not been publicly disclosed, but the concerns add another layer of complexity to the situation.
The future of NU leadership remains uncertain as Staquf considers the supreme leader’s request. The organization is expected to hold an internal meeting to discuss the matter further and determine the next steps, potentially including an unusual congress to elect a new chairman. This internal upheaval occurs as Indonesia prepares for presidential elections in February 2024, adding a political dimension to the unfolding events.
