Gus Yahya Officially Removed, PBNU Leadership Switches To Rais Aam

JAKARTA - The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board ensures that the organizational leadership is now under the control of Rais Aam. This was confirmed by Katib Syuriyah PBNU, KH Sarmidi Husna, after the issuance of a circular letter for the dismissal of Yahya Cholil Staquf or Gus Yahya from the position of chairman of PBNU, Thursday, November 27.

Sarmidi explained that while the position of general chairman was vacant, PBNU was led directly by Rais Aam. The statement refers to the contents of the circular submitted by Kiai Afifuddin and Kiai Tajul Mafakhir.

"During the vacancy of the general chairman, the leadership of PBNU is entirely in the hands of Rais Aam as the highest leader of PBNU," said Sarmidi at a PBNU press conference at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta.

He also emphasized that PBNU Circular Number 4785/PB.02/AII.10.01/99/11/2025 regarding the dismissal of Gus Yahya was legal and binding. In the document, Gus Yahya was declared no longer the general chairman of PBNU as of Wednesday (11/26/2025) at 00.45 WIB.

The letter signed by KH Afifuddin Muhajir and KH Tajul Mafakhir is valid. With this letter, Gus Yahya is officially no longer the general chairman," said Sarmidi.