Hasto Performs Role of PDI-P Secretary General from Prison, Party's Image Could Be Affected

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Although currently detained, Hasto Kristiyanto remains active in his role as the Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle or Secretary General of PDI-P, including signing several important documents.

This has the potential to undermine the party's image, especially among the younger generation who demand transparency and professionalism. In fact, PDI-P has many potential cadres who could immediately fill the position of secretary-general, to ensure the smooth operation of the organization and maintain optimal party performance.

The Secretary-General of PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto, continues to perform his duties in the general secretariat despite being detained at the Class I East Jakarta State Detention Center due to a bribery case related to the interim replacement of DPR members for the 2019-2024 period from PDI-P, as well as obstruction of the investigation. He has been in custody since February 20.

The work of the secretariat that is still being carried out by Hasto includes signing several party documents. Most recently, Hasto signed a letter from the DPP PDI-P regarding the revocation of the regulations of the DPD PDI-P Central Java. In addition to Hasto, the letter dated April 16, 2025, was also signed by the Chairperson of PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

A senior researcher from the Political Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Lili Romli, when contacted in Jakarta on Sunday (27/4/2025), stated that loyal voters of PDI-P are unlikely to question the situation.

However, he reminded that the number of critical young voters is increasing and becoming an important factor in the elections. Young voters, who tend to demand more transparency and professionalism, may give a negative "note" regarding the attitude of this party, which will automatically impact the party's image.

"For young voters, this could be an important note. Young voters are known to be critical, and this attitude of PDI-P could risk becoming a boomerang in the next election," said Lili.

Lili stated that the position of secretary-general in the party plays a very crucial role. The secretary-general not only carries out daily administrative tasks but also has a strategic role in policy and important decision-making that leads to the smooth functioning of the organization.

Therefore, according to him, when a secretary-general is involved in legal issues or is permanently incapacitated, the position should be immediately replaced with a definitive secretary-general or at least an acting secretary-general. This is to ensure that the organization continues to operate optimally.

"The position of the secretary-general is the second person in the party hierarchy, and their role is vital for the functioning of the organization. If the secretary-general faces legal issues, there should be a temporary or definitive replacement to ensure that the organization is not disrupted," said Lili.

He also emphasized that the decision to retain Hasto in the position of secretary-general, despite facing legal proceedings, has the potential to diminish the party's professionalism in the eyes of the public, particularly concerning political accountability. According to him, PDI-P has many qualified cadres who could replace that position.

However, Lili also realizes that the decision not to replace Hasto may be influenced by several factors. One of them is the possibility of the view that Hasto is a victim of politicization, and removing him from his position would add an unfair political burden.

"Let us not fall into the saying, 'having fallen, one is also struck by a ladder.' Having already become a victim of politics, one is then removed from the position of secretary-general. This is considered inappropriate," he stated.

In addition, it is possible that the replacement of the secretary-general will take place during the PDI-P Congress scheduled for the coming months. This is seen as a form of respect for Hasto, who is still serving his term.

Lili added that another possibility for the absence of a replacement for the secretary-general could also be influenced by internal dynamics within PDI-P. He suspects that there will be debates or differing opinions regarding who is considered most suitable to replace Hasto. "This is related to the existing factions that wish to occupy the position of secretary-general," he stated.

A Bakir Ihsan, a Political Science lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, agrees with Lili. The PDI-P's decision to retain Hasto demonstrates a contradiction with the party's aspiration to become a modern party.

According to him, although PDI-P has many quality cadres, the decision to retain Hasto actually reflects the opposite condition, namely a party rich in cadres but poor in opportunities.

"This party is digging its own grave merely to demonstrate strength, to appear as if everything is fine, while there are significant unresolved issues. This does not provide a noble political education regarding the party's existence in the eyes of the public," emphasized Bakir.

Separately, PDI-P politician Guntur Romli emphasized that the party is fully controlled by the chairman, not by the secretary general. The party, he continued, fully supports Hasto, who is currently in the custody of the KPK, as he has become a target of criminalization under the guise of law.

According to him, during the trial, there was no evidence indicating Hasto's involvement in the bribery case charged against him. Furthermore, Guntur mentioned that there have been two court rulings with permanent legal force in 2020 that acquitted Hasto of the charges.

"The party fully defends the Secretary-General who is currently in the KPK detention center because he has become a target of criminalization. The court facts and the seven witnesses presented do not provide evidence of the Secretary-General's involvement in the bribery case. This case has already been decided twice by the court in 2020, which proves that this is a recycled case with a motive of political revenge," said Guntur.

Guntur also highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the investigation of the bribery case involving Harun Masiku, who was identified as the briber in the 2020 court ruling. He expressed regret that Harun Masiku, along with several other parties mentioned in the ruling, has not been legally processed by the KPK.

"If the KPK wants to investigate this bribery case, they must find Harun Masiku, who is mentioned as the briber in the 2020 ruling. Alternatively, they should prosecute (the former Secretary of the West Papua Provincial KPU) Rosa Muhammad Thamrin and (the Governor of West Papua) Dominggus Mandacan, who are mentioned in the ruling as having given bribes to Wahyu Setiawan. It is strange if they are not prosecuted by the KPK. Is it because they are not members of the PDI-P or because they did not pay any money?" criticized Guntur.

Regarding the PDI-P Congress that has yet to take place, Guntur assured that the congress will be held this year, although there is no definite schedule yet. He emphasized that there are no political reasons or negotiations with the government that hinder the organization of the congress.

Guntur also dismissed speculation that the congress was postponed due to the legal case involving Hasto. According to him, the party is merely waiting for the right time to hold the congress without rushing.

"It is not true that the congress is postponed due to waiting for negotiations or because of the legal case involving Mr. Hasto. We are simply waiting for the right time," he emphasized.