Indonesian Muslim Organization Calls for Leader’s Resignation Over Pro-Israel Speaker Engagement
The internal dynamics of Indonesia’s influential Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization are coming to the forefront as calls for the resignation of its chairman highlight the complex interplay between global opinions and local Islamic leadership. This incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding international discourse about the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly within the context of Indonesia as the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. As NU navigates these turbulent waters, the implications of their decision could resonate beyond national borders, influencing perceptions in the wider Muslim community.
Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has officially called for the resignation of its chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf, following his controversial decision to invite an American scholar with known pro-Israel sentiments to an internal event earlier this year. The leadership of NU, which boasts approximately 100 million members worldwide, has granted Staquf three days to resign or face removal from his position. This directive stems from concerns over not only Staquf’s invitation to the former U.S. State Department official, Peter Berkowitz, but also allegations of financial mismanagement within the organization.
In August, Berkowitz attended a training event for NU members, an invitation that has since sparked considerable backlash. NU officials criticized Staquf for engaging someone deemed affiliated with an “international Zionism network.” Berkowitz’s writings often support Israel’s narrative in the ongoing conflict with Palestinian groups, which has further fueled the discontent among NU’s leadership. In particular, his recent opinion pieces have argued against recognizing a Palestinian state, framing such acknowledgment as detrimental to stability and security in the region.
Amid the unfolding controversy, Staquf has expressed regret over the invitation to Berkowitz, referring to it as an oversight resulting from a failure to thoroughly vet the scholar’s background. In response to the situation, NU’s Secretary-General, Yusuf Saifullah, has urged members to remain calm and to avoid being swayed by misleading narratives that could exacerbate tensions. Saifullah reassured the organization that senior leaders are handling the matter through established internal mechanisms.
Notably, Indonesia is recognized for its consistent condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, advocating for a diplomatic resolution through a two-state solution while maintaining no formal diplomatic ties with Israel. This context adds weight to NU’s internal deliberations, as the organization seeks to balance its position on international issues with the expectations of its vast membership base, which is deeply committed to justice and peace within the Muslim world.
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