INDOPOSCO.ID – Amid an escalating internal conflict within the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf has reassigned five senior officials, including Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul, as part of an organizational transformation effort amid the ongoing leadership dispute.
“This rotation is carried out in accordance with the organization’s statutes as the second-highest deliberative forum after the Muktamar. Its purpose is to ensure PBNU’s duties continue to run smoothly,” Yahya said after the tanfidziyah meeting at PBNU Headquarters in Jakarta on Friday (Nov. 28, 2025).
Officials affected by the reshuffle include KH Masyhuri Malik, who moves from PBNU Chair to Deputy Chairman; Saifullah Yusuf, who shifts from Secretary-General to PBNU Chair; and H. Gudfan Arif, reassigned from Treasurer General to PBNU Chair.
Additionally, H. Amin Said Husni moves from Deputy Chairman to Secretary-General, while H. Sumantri transitions from Treasurer to Treasurer General.
The meeting also discussed the draft of the Nahdlatul Ulama 2025–2050 roadmap, along with program and performance evaluations.
Gus Yahya emphasized that the internal dispute must not hinder PBNU from fulfilling its religious duties and service to the public.
“These responsibilities are a fundamental mandate that must be accounted for—not only to the Muktamar, but also to our constituents. They are moral and religious obligations before millions of people,” he stated.
He added that the organizational transformation aims to strengthen NU’s capacity to face future challenges.
“Our vision is built on an understanding of future civilization. Changes today are rapid and deeply affect essential aspects of society,” he said, as reported by Antara.
The internal conflict escalated after the Syuriyah Daily Resolution called on Yahya Cholil Staquf to resign within 3×24 hours.
Shortly afterward, Circular Letter No. 4785/PB.02/A.II.10.01/99/11/2025 was issued, declaring Yahya no longer the PBNU Chairman. The letter, signed by Deputy Rais Aam Afifuddin Muhajir and PBNU Preacher Ahmad Tajul Mafakir, stated the decision took effect on Nov. 26, 2025.
In response, Gus Yahya urged that the leadership dispute be resolved through the NU Muktamar. Meanwhile, PBNU Katib Ahmad Tajul Mafakhir said Yahya may file an objection with PBNU’s Majelis Tahkim regarding his dismissal. (aro)
