TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's General Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), Yahya Cholil Staquf, widely known as Gus Yahya, has stated that a circular letter circulated claiming to dismiss him from his position is invalid.
He made the remarks during a press conference at the PBNU headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
He explained that the document is still in draft form and does not meet the organization’s administrative requirements, making it non-recognizable as an official document.
“The document is not valid, as it still bears a watermark marked ‘Draft,’ meaning it cannot be considered official. If scanned, the signature will also appear invalid,” he said.
He added that the circular fails to meet PBNU administrative standards, which require signatures from four Syuriyah (Supreme Council) and Tanfidziyah (Executive Board) officials. This incomplete process prevents the PBNU digital system from validating the document.
“As a circular letter, it cannot be accepted. That is why it cannot obtain validation from our digital system,” Yahya said.
The document number cited in the circular is also unrecognized within PBNU’s system. Yahya emphasized that the draft status blocks it from receiving a digital stamp.
“Even though the draft exists, it cannot receive a digital stamp. When checked via the link below the letter, the document number is not recognized either,” he added.
Gus Yahya also criticized the informal circulation of the document, which he said further confirms its invalidity. Official PBNU documents are distributed exclusively through the organization’s digital platform, not via chain messages.
“What officials received was an invalid draft, usually via WhatsApp. Official documents should be accessed through the NU Digdaya platform, our Digital Data and Services system,” he said.
Previously, the PBNU Syuriyah announced the dismissal of Yahya as General Chairperson, effective Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The decision was outlined in Circular Letter No. 4785/PB.02/A.II.10.01/99/11/2025, signed by Deputy Rais Aam Afifuddin Muhajir and Secretary Ahmad Tajul Mafakhir on November 25, 2025. The letter stated:
"Based on the considerations mentioned in point 2 above, Yahya Cholil Staquf no longer holds the position of General Chairperson of PBNU, effective from November 26, 2025, at 00.45 WIB."
Ahmad Tajul confirmed signing the letter but denied that it constitutes a termination notice.
“I signed the PBNU Circular Letter as written. It is not a Termination Letter. They are different forms,” he said, stressing that his comments represent his personal stance, not the organization.
According to the circular, the dismissal follows a decision made during the PBNU Syuriyah Daily Meeting on November 20, 2025, in Jakarta.
Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the writing of this article.
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