Yahya Cholil Staquf serves as the General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Central Board, the world’s largest Muslim organisation with more than 90 million members and over 21,000 madrasahs. Under his leadership, the NU continues to champion a traditionalist, moderate, and compassionate form of Sunni Islam. Founded in 1926, the NU’s teachings emphasise that the essence of Islam is universal love, mercy, and service to humanity. Staquf’s influence extends across Indonesia and into the global stage, making him a central figure in shaping modern Islamic discourse.
Personal Education and Lineage: Born in Rembang, Central Java, Staquf comes from a distinguished family of Javanese ulema. His grandfather, KH Bisri Musthofa, was a revered scholar and author of numerous religious works, while his father, KH Cholil Bisri, was a leading NU figure and member of Indonesia’s parliament. From an early age, Staquf was immersed in Islamic education and spiritual practice. He studied under KH Ali Maksum, a respected NU leader, and was deeply influenced by KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), the former NU chairman and Indonesia’s first democratically elected president. Gus Dur’s vision of pluralism, democracy, and religious tolerance continues to shape Staquf’s leadership.
Head of an Expansive Network: The Nahdlatul Ulama’s reach is vast. Its structure includes 30 regional boards, 339 branch boards, 12 special branches overseas, more than 2,600 representative councils, and over 37,000 sub-branches. Through this network, NU operates pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), universities, hospitals, and charities that impact millions of Indonesians. Staquf oversees this sprawling institution, guiding it through Indonesia’s shifting political landscape. Under his leadership, NU continues to advocate for the doctrine of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah, rooted in classical Islamic jurisprudence and Sufism, while adapting to the needs of modern society.
Traditionalism and Social Reform: Nahdlatul Ulama distinguishes itself from other Islamic movements in Indonesia, particularly modernist and Islamist groups, by upholding traditional practices while engaging in modern reform. Staquf promotes “Islam Nusantara” (Islam of the Archipelago), which emphasizes Indonesia’s unique cultural and historical context in interpreting Islam. This model stresses tolerance, coexistence, and rejection of extremism. Under Staquf’s leadership, NU continues to push for social justice, anti-corruption initiatives, women’s empowerment, and poverty alleviation. Its schools and hospitals play a critical role in rural communities, embodying Islam’s call to serve the vulnerable.
National and International Role: Beyond his role in NU, Staquf has been active in Indonesia’s governance and diplomacy. He served on President Joko Widodo’s Presidential Advisory Council, where he advised on religious and international affairs. Globally, Staquf has been instrumental in promoting NU’s vision of a pluralistic and compassionate Islam. He co-founded the U.S.-based Bayt ar-Rahmah and the Center for Shared Civilizational Values in 2021, both designed to expand NU’s intellectual and spiritual influence in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. His work aims to counter extremist ideologies by offering Islam Nusantara as a model of coexistence.
Challenges and Legacy: As General Chairman, Staquf faces challenges from rising religious intolerance in Indonesia, sectarian tensions, and global Islamophobia. Yet his leadership positions NU as a counterweight to extremism, offering a vision of Islam rooted in tradition, inclusivity, and peace. By combining grassroots engagement in Indonesia with international outreach, he is shaping the future of Islam Nusantara as a model of moderate religious authority for the Muslim world.
The Gaza Genocide: Staquf has spoken out strongly against Israel’s assault on Gaza, describing the actions as inhumane and contrary to universal principles of justice.Under his leadership, NU has joined Indonesian civil society in condemning what it calls the “collective punishment” of Palestinians.
