Indonesian Muslim Leader Faces Resignation Demand Over Pro-Israel Speaker Invite & Mismanagement

Indonesian Islamic Leader Under Pressure to Resign Over Pro-Israel Scholar Invite

The leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organization and the world's biggest with approximately 100 million members, has issued a serious ultimatum to its chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf. Staquf is facing demands to resign within three days or risk removal from his position, following a significant internal backlash.

The Core of the Controversy: A Divisive Invitation

The controversy stems primarily from Staquf's decision to invite Peter Berkowitz, an American scholar and former US State Department official known for his vocal pro-Israel stance, to an internal NU training event held in August. This invitation to an individual affiliated with an international Zionism network has provoked strong condemnation within the organization. Further allegations of financial mismanagement have also contributed to the calls for his departure.

Berkowitz's Stance on the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Berkowitz's views, frequently expressed in his writings, align with robust support for Israel's military actions, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza. For instance, an article he penned in September aimed to challenge claims of genocide in Palestinian territories. He has also articulated opinions that formal recognition of a Palestinian state would be detrimental to security and peace, suggesting it panders to the growing Muslim populations in Western democracies and misrepresents the core issues of the Israel-Palestinian conflict as Israeli belligerence rather than Palestinian intransigence or Hamas's actions. Berkowitz himself documented his seminars for NU participants in Indonesia in August, expressing commendation for Chairman Staquf.

NU's Position and Staquf's Apology

Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, maintains a consistent policy of condemning Israeli actions in Gaza, advocating firmly for a two-state solution, and has no diplomatic ties with Israel. Staquf, who assumed the NU chairmanship in 2021, has reportedly apologized for extending the invitation to Berkowitz, acknowledging it as an oversight due to insufficient background checks.

Call for Calm Amidst Internal Strife

In response to the escalating situation, NU's Secretary-General, Yusuf Saifullah, has urged the organization's vast membership to remain composed and not be swayed by potentially misleading information that could further inflame tensions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a conducive spirit as senior members address the issue through established internal protocols. The coming days will be critical for Staquf's leadership within the influential Nahdlatul Ulama.