In recent days, several media outlets have reported that multiple regional leaders of PDI Perjuangan have been publicly dismissed by Ibu Mega, the party’s Chairwoman. For those unfamiliar with the details, such headlines can create a misleading impression, as if Ibu Mega is acting in an overly autocratic manner.
I wish to clarify that, in accordance with the party’s statutes and regulations—particularly following the VI Congress held in Nusa Dua, Bali in 2025—there are clear provisions regarding leadership appointments. The Party’s regulations stipulate: “Members or cadres of the Party who are elected and appointed as members of the Central Leadership Council (DPP) and Party management are prohibited from holding structural positions simultaneously above or below their current roles. Such individuals are automatically considered to have resigned from their previous positions unless the Chairwoman of the Party decides otherwise.”
Following the VI Congress, Ibu Hj Megawati Soekarnoputeri, who was elected as Chairwoman, entrusted the formation of the DPP structure for the 2025-2030 period. This included selecting figures such as Said Abdullah, Bambang Wuryanto, Olly Dondokambey, and Esti Wijayanti as members of the DPP for the same period.
However, at the same time, these individuals also held the positions of regional leaders (DPD Chairpersons) in various provinces—Jawa Timur, Jawa Tengah, Sulawesi Utara, and Bengkulu—because their previous DPD terms had not yet concluded. They were still in the process of preparing for the Regional Conference (Konferda), a mechanism through which the Party determines new regional leadership.
According to the regulations, these individuals—who were serving as DPD Chairpersons—were not permitted to hold dual roles as DPP members at the same time unless the Chairwoman decided otherwise. Consequently, I have submitted my resignation letter to the Chairwoman from my role as Chair of the East Java DPD, and I remain fully obedient and loyal to her decisions.
The rule against holding multiple positions aims to enable party structures at all levels to operate more effectively without conflicts of interest, allowing for smoother consolidation and development efforts. Moving forward, we await, respect, and remain loyal to the Chairwoman’s decisions regarding the temporary leadership in the regions.
Meanwhile, the DPP has scheduled Regional and Branch Conferences (Konferda and Konfercab) throughout Indonesia to gather proposals for leadership at the branch and provincial levels, covering positions like Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. These proposals come from various levels, from branches to regional DPCs and DPDs, and are then consolidated into the overall party structure through these conferences.
To sum up, the removal of the four regional leaders was carried out in strict accordance with the party’s statutes and regulations. As such, the Chairwoman and the DPP are fulfilling their responsibilities in implementing these norms. I hope this clarifies any misconceptions that have circulated inaccurately in the media.
— Said Abdullah, Head of Human Resources at DPP PDI Perjuangan
