IndonesiaS largest Islamic association, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), is facing internal pressure as calls mount for its chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf, to resign. The controversy centers on previously disclosed meetings Staquf held with Israeli officials in 2018,which have drawn renewed scrutiny amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza [[1]]. Staquf has publicly defended his past diplomatic efforts, asserting his consistent support for the Palestinian cause despite the meetings, but faces a three-day ultimatum to step down following a request from the organization’s leadership [[2]], [[3]].
Jakarta –
The chairman of Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Yahya Cholil Staquf, commonly known as Gus Yahya, has addressed recent concerns regarding meetings he held with Israeli officials. The discussions, which took place in 2018, have resurfaced amid scrutiny and allegations of pro-Israel bias, prompting Staquf to reaffirm his commitment to the Palestinian cause.
“I visited Israel in 2018, where I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the President of Israel, as well as various other groups in different forums,” Gus Yahya said, according to detikJatim. The renewed attention to these meetings comes as some within the organization are calling for his resignation.
Gus Yahya expressed surprise at the recent amplification of the issue, characterizing it as an attack on his character. He pointed out that his past engagement with Israeli leaders did not disqualify him from leading the NU, as evidenced by his election to the position in 2021.
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“In 2021, during the Muktamar (NU congress), branches and regional NU leaders elected me. They were already aware that I had previously traveled to Israel and met with Netanyahu, yet they still chose me to be chairman,” he added. This suggests a level of acceptance within the organization regarding his diplomatic efforts.
Despite the meetings, Gus Yahya insisted his commitment to Palestine remains unwavering. “They know, and you can see in various posts online what I did in Israel at the time in Jerusalem. I made it clear and firmly stated in various forums in Jerusalem, even in front of Netanyahu, that I came here for the sake of Palestine. I stated this on every occasion, and I will never stop holding that position, no matter what happens,” he stated. The controversy underscores the complexities of navigating diplomatic relations while upholding strong political stances.
The debate stems from a circulating document detailing decisions made during a recent Syuriah PBNU meeting, which reportedly called for Yahya Cholil Staquf to step down from his role as chairman.
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(rdp/imk)
