INDOPOSCO.ID – Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Executive Board (PBNU) Yahya Cholil Staquf reaffirmed that the NU Constitution and Bylaws (AD/ART) clearly stipulate that the dismissal of PBNU leaders before the end of their term can only be carried out through an Extraordinary Congress (Muktamar Luar Biasa/MLB) and must be based on proven serious violations.
The assertion was conveyed in an official statement of position personally signed by Yahya Cholil Staquf as PBNU chairman and issued on December 13, 2025.
“Accordingly, all derivative decisions resulting from such a process, including the appointment of an Acting Chairman of PBNU, have no legal validity and are therefore illegal,” Gus Yahya said in the written statement released in Jakarta on Saturday (Dec. 13, 2025).
The statement was issued in response to the outcome of a PBNU Plenary Meeting held on December 9, 2025, which declared his dismissal final and announced the appointment of an Acting Chairman of PBNU.
In an official document numbered 4811/PB.23/A.II.07.08/99/12/2025, Gus Yahya emphasized that he, together with PBNU Rais ‘Aam Miftachul Akhyar, continues to hold a legitimate mandate granted by the 34th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress in Lampung in 2021, with a five-year term of office lasting until the next congress.
“Therefore, decisions produced by the Syuriyah Daily Meeting on November 20, 2025, lack a solid legal basis under the provisions of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights,” he asserted.
Despite underscoring his legal position, Gus Yahya said he remains committed to pursuing islah, or reconciliation, in order to safeguard the dignity and unity of the Nahdlatul Ulama organization. This stance, he added, is in line with advice from senior NU clerics conveyed during meetings at Ploso Islamic Boarding School in Kediri and Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, as reported by Antara.
He also called on NU officials at all levels, from regional boards down to sub-branch units, as well as all Nahdliyin members, to remain calm, preserve unity, and strengthen bonds of solidarity. (aro)
