How an Israel visit and a cancelled seminar put Indonesia’s largest Muslim bodies under public scrutiny

Indonesia’s leading Muslim organizations have faced backlash after members of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world’s largest Islamic group, visited Israel in June. This trip, involving NU members Mr. Zainul Maarif, Mr. Mukti Ali Qusyairi, Mr. Roland Gunawan, and Mr. Sapri Saleh, led to an investigation revealing a connection with the Ibrahim Heritage Study Center for Peace (RAHIM), which allegedly has ties to Israel.

Mr. Zainul Maarif and three others were dismissed from NU’s Jakarta fatwa unit on July 18. Mr. Sapri was later reinstated as it was clarified he only taught Hebrew and wasn’t involved with RAHIM.

RAHIM, a Jakarta-based NGO promoting interfaith cooperation, was reported to have approached NU members for the Israel visit. The NGO’s website, which had used NU’s fatwa body logo, has since been taken down.

Public criticism intensified when Mr. Zainul shared a photo from the trip with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog on Instagram, sparking outrage in Indonesia, a country that supports Palestinian independence and condemns Israel’s actions. The post has since been deleted.

Amid this controversy, the Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest mosque where Mr. Sapri teaches Hebrew, faced scrutiny for planning a seminar with Ari Gordon from the American Jewish Committee. The seminar was canceled following public backlash.

The NU members’ visit occurred during a period of heightened conflict, with significant loss of life in Palestine. The Indonesian government has consistently condemned Israel’s actions, aligning with the country’s stance supporting Palestine.

NU’s leadership apologized for the visit, emphasizing that the organization opposes genocide and reiterating their stance against collaboration with groups linked to Israel. Despite the controversy, Mr. Sukron Makmun, one of the visitors, defended the trip, stating it aimed to foster peace and understanding.

This incident underscores the sensitive political landscape in Indonesia regarding Israel and Palestine, highlighting the strong support for Palestinian independence and condemnation of Israeli actions.