Indonesia’s Largest Islamic Group Calls for Resignation of Chief Over Pro-Israeli Speaker

NU, the largest Islamic group in Indonesia with approximately 100 million members and affiliates, has requested Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf’s resignation, citing his invitation to a person ‘affiliated with an International Zionism network’ and alleged financial mismanagement as grounds for his removal. Staquf, who has led NU since 2021, has not responded to the request for comment. Despite the leadership’s demand, he stated that he was appointed for a five-year term and refused to resign, questioning the authority of those calling for his ouster. NU’s Deputy Secretary General mentioned that the decision was influenced by Staquf’s invitation to former US official Peter Berkowitz, who has spoken in support of Israel. Berkowitz, known for his writings on Israel, attended NU seminars on Western political thought. Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority country, has consistently criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and supports a two-state solution, maintaining no diplomatic ties with Israel.