PDI-P Congress Potentially Postponed, Puan: Everything is Still Under the General Chair's Control

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The implementation of the 6th Congress of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle or PDI-P has the potential to be postponed. Although the time for the congress has not been determined, the party with the bull symbol ensures that everything is still going according to plan and under the control of General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri.

The signal for the postponement of the congress was conveyed by the Chairperson of the PDI-P DPP Puan Maharani in Jakarta, Monday (14/4/2025). According to her, the PDI-P 6th Congress could be held after April 2025. In a situation like this, the party structure can still work so there is no need to rush to hold the congress.

"The congress has not been determined and implemented because of the existing situation and conditions. Of course, this does not need to be done in a hurry. It could be postponed in April, but certainly not later than 2025," said Puan at the Nusantara IV Building, Jakarta.

Initially, PDI-P planned for the congress to be held in April 2025. However, until entering the third week of April, the date and venue for the party's highest forum had not yet been determined.

Puan dismissed any external intervention affecting the congress preparations. She emphasized that everything is still under the plan and control of PDI-P General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri. "So, everything is on track and under the control of the general chair," she said.

Puan also responded to speculation that President Prabowo Subianto's post-Eid visit to Megawati's house, Jalan Teuku Umar, Jakarta, April 7, 2025, was related to the PDI-P Congress. She said that the meeting was only a means of friendship between the two national figures and was not related to the PDI-P Congress.

The plan for this meeting, Puan continued, had been discussed by the Gerindra Party on various occasions. Finally, the Prabowo-Megawati silaturahmi could be carried out in the momentum of Lebaran Day and a family atmosphere and had time to hold a closed meeting.

"What was discussed of course were matters related to synergy to build, to help in carrying out the president's duties in the future with Mr. Prabowo. There will be a social gathering and further meetings," said Puan.

Previously, issues related to external intervention blew up ahead of the Congress. Megawati Soekarnoputri had also mentioned that there were parties who wanted to take her position as PDI-P General Chairperson.

In a political speech at the opening of the 52nd Anniversary of the PDI-P, Jakarta, Friday (10/1/2025), the daughter of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia Bung Karno stated that there were parties who were secretly eyeing the position. She even asked the cadres present about this effort and asked for their commitment.

Previously, the cadres also asked Megawati to return as PDI-P General Chair for the 2025-2030 period. Initially, she joked, reluctant to fulfill the request if the cadres were not solid with the same spirit.

"But there are still those who want it. Crazy. Would you like it if (to be led) by someone who wants (to be the general chairman of PDI-P)?" Megawati asked the cadres.

“No,” they said in unison in answer to the question.

In addition to determining the PDI-P General Chairperson for the 2025-2030 period, the VI Congress will also discuss the position of secretary general currently held by Hasto Kristiyanto. Hasto is currently being held by the Corruption Eradication Commission, February 20, 2025.

Although unable to carry out his duties, Hasto was not immediately replaced from the position. PDI-P has not appointed a new secretary general.

The signal for the change of secretary general was mentioned by Puan, Tuesday (3/25/2025) at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta. At that time, she said, one of the discussions raised in the congress was the renewal of the structure from the top to the bottom.

"Later we will discuss the secretary general at the congress, there must be a structural update from the top to the bottom," he said.

Senior Researcher of the Center for Political Research of the Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Firman Noor said that PDI-P needs a figure who understands party management and administration like Hasto. Regardless of the legal entanglement that befell him, Firman continued, Hasto has set a high standard for a secretary-general figure in PDI-P.

"He (Hasto) not only understands the party's ideology, but also has advantages in management. In Hasto's time, everything began to be arranged slowly. All of that was done to meet the party's needs so that it could catch up in accordance with the modern situation," he said.