PDI-P National Working Meeting Anticipates Cadre Hijacking

PDI-P evaluated the party program in the V National Working Meeting to prevent theft or hijacking of potential cadres.

KOMPAS/WILLY MEDI CHRISTIAN NABABAN

Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the PDI-P, Djarot Saiful Hidayat (in the center) and Ahmad Basarah (third from the right) had a discussion prior to the press conference to open the PDI-P's 5th National Conference at Beach City International Stadium, Ancol, Jakarta on Friday, May 24th, 2024.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle evaluated the party's program at National Working Meeting V. This momentum was also used as a means of internal consolidation to prevent theft or hijacking of potential cadres. Moreover, this topic is increasingly crucial ahead of the 2024 regional head elections.

Chairman of the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (DPP PDI-P) Djarot Saiful Hidayat said that anticipating cadre theft is included in the strategy for determining candidates who will run in the regional head elections (pilkada). PDI-P will issue a letter of assignment for cadres to build winning consolidation in their respective regions.

"A task letter, not a recommendation, is given to (potential candidates) for regional heads from the internal party deemed successful. (This task letter) is to consolidate the victory of the party's three pillars and political communication in their region. It is intended for them to receive appointments. Otherwise, it is true that they are stealing or taking the opportunity," said Djarot during a press conference ahead of the opening of the PDI-P's 5th national conference at Beach City International Stadium in Ancol, Jakarta, on Friday (24/5/2024).

Although it was not stated, a number of potential PDI-P cadres decided to leave in the middle of the 2024 Election. For example, Maruarar Sirait and Budiman Sudjatmiko decided to support the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair, in contrast to the PDI-P which supported Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.

Also read: After Maruarar Resigns, PDI-P Again Consolidates Cadre Strength

KOMPAS/WILLY MEDI CHRISTIAN NABABAN

The Chairwoman of the PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri, had a conversation with the Secretary General of the PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto, prior to the opening of the 5th PDI-P National Conference at the Beach City International Stadium, Ancol, Jakarta on Friday (May 24, 2024).

In addition, Mayor of Medan Bobby Afif Nasution, who also switched sides to support Prabowo-Gibran. Even the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, who is also Bobby's brother-in-law, is no longer considered a party member for running as Prabowo's companion, which differs from the stance of PDI-P.

Also read: PDI-P Confirms Jokowi and Gibran Are No Longer PDI-P Cadres

According to Djarot, PDI-P views loyalty as a commitment. Cadres who leave indicate that they are no longer loyal to the people and the constitution. "This is our commitment, loyalty to the people and the constitution," he said.

Assignment letters, not recommendations, are given to (prospective) regional heads from within the party who are considered successful. (These assignment letters) aim to consolidate the victory of the party's three pillars and political communication in their respective regions.

PDI-P politician, Deddy Yevri Sitorus, stated that every regional election moment is often marked by the hijacking of party cadres. This is why this plenary session is being held, so that such negative actions do not happen.

"During every regional election, it's always the same (cadre hijacking actions). Especially after the recent election, there were many interventions and various other things, surely there will be impacts. But we will see later that it will be discussed here (at the national meeting)," said Deddy.

Also read: PDI-P National Working Meeting in the Middle of Two Faces of the Party

Djarot said that only internal cadres were invited to attend the V PDI-P National Working Meeting. However, a number of invitees also attended, such as ministers who were friends of the PDI-P, elite political parties supporting Ganjar-Mahfud, and civil society organizations.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto (right) together with PDI-P DPP Chairman Djarot Saiful Hidayat at the Constitutional Court, Jakarta, handing over the amicus curiae proposed by PDI-P General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri, Tuesday (16/ 4/2024).

Violations of the constitution, ethics and morals

Nonetheless, Djarot also mentioned violations of the constitution, ethics, and morals. "If there are members of our party who violate the constitution, ethics, and morals, then they are no longer part of the big family of the PDI-P," he said.

Also read: Not invited to the PDI-P National Working Meeting, Jokowi and Puan meet warmly in Bali

The Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Ahmad Basarah, stated that 2,160 cadres from the party's functional officials across Indonesia will be present. The PDI-P's fifth National Meeting is titled "Satyam Eva Jayate, Truth Will Surely Prevail" with the sub-theme "The Strength of People's Unity, The Path to Successful Truth."

In detail, the agenda of the PDI-P's V National Working Meeting is divided into five focuses, which are evaluating the party's performance since 2019, party organization consolidation, discussing the next congress, winning strategies for the regional elections, and projection of future national and international situations.