Indonesia hosts the world's largest Muslim population, exceeding 270 million people. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), with about 100 million members, promotes moderate Islam and tolerance. Recently, its leadership urged Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf to resign due to inviting a pro-Israel scholar.
The Invitation Controversy
Staquf invited Peter Berkowitz to an August 2025 internal event. Berkowitz, a former US official, supports Israel's Gaza actions and opposes Palestinian state recognition.
According to Reuters, NU's board gave Staquf three days to step down or face removal. This stemmed from the invitation and financial concerns.
Reasons for Backlash
NU cited Berkowitz's ties to Zionism networks. Indonesia condemns Israel's Gaza operations and lacks diplomatic ties with Israel.
Staquf's move clashed with national pro-Palestine sentiment. Public outrage grew over perceived normalization.
Staquf's Apology and Defense
Staquf apologized for inadequate vetting. He called the invitation an oversight and condemned Israel's "brutal genocidal acts" in Gaza.
NU official Najib Azca linked the resignation calls directly to the Berkowitz invite, per Reuters.
Historical Context
Indonesia advocates a two-state solution. It routinely criticizes Israel's policies amid the Gaza war since 2023.
In 2024, NU apologized after members met Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This earlier incident fueled similar backlash, as reported by South China Morning Post.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Social media shows strong criticism of Staquf. Users argue the invite betrays Palestinian solidarity.
High-engagement posts highlight Indonesia's rejection of Israeli delegations in past events. This underscores anti-normalization trends.
Implications for NU
NU traditionally fosters interfaith dialogue. This scandal reveals internal divisions over global engagements.
Analysts note it challenges balancing tolerance with member expectations on sensitive issues like Palestine.
Broader Trends in Indonesia
Indonesia's Muslim groups influence foreign policy views. Pro-Palestine stances remain strong amid global conflicts.
Events like this could impact NU's credibility. They emphasize vetting in international invites.
Expert Insights
Secretary-General Saifullah Yusuf urged calm, per Al Jazeera. He advised avoiding misleading news to maintain unity.
Berkowitz's writings refute genocide claims in Gaza. He argues Palestinian intransigence hinders peace.
Lessons for Organizations
Leaders must align actions with core values. Thorough background checks prevent controversies.
This case educates on navigating geopolitics in religious contexts. It promotes informed decision-making.
The controversy underscores NU's role in global Islam. It reveals how local decisions reflect wider Middle East tensions.
