FAJAR.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Social media activist Herwin Sudikta responded to the announcement that Gus Yahya will no longer be the general chairman of PBNU effective November 26, 2026.

He said the end of the leadership period was an important impetus for the Nahdlatul Ulama organization to return to its teachings.

Herwin said that under the leadership of Gus Yahya, PBNU often appeared in public not because of its accomplishments, but because of controversy.

According to him, the reputation of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization has been tarnished by numerous controversies.

“After trying to defend himself with all his defenses, Gus Yahya finally had to abandon his post,” Herwin told dawn.co.id, Wednesday (11/26/2025).

“Under his leadership, the PBNU often made headlines for its noise rather than its example,” he added.

Herwin also discussed the case of Gus Yahya’s younger brother, who he said contributed to the organization’s image being damaged.

“Not to mention the case of his younger brother who faced the public. Not because of the drama, but because the reputation of an organization as great as the PBNU was tarnished,” he stressed.

He stressed that it is time for the PBNU to refocus on its social and religious role and move away from pragmatic issues.

“Enough is enough! The PBNU must return to the spirit of preaching and not become a field of interest,” he stressed.

“Go back to the people, not the mines,” he said.

Previously, Rais Aam, Miftachul Akhyar, as the highest leader of Nahdlatul Ulama, was given the vacant position of General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Council (PBNU), after the dismissal of KH Yahya Cholil Staqut.