The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has clarified that its cadres’ participation at the regional head retreat, which is currently underway at the National Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, is still within the knowledge of party chair Megawati Soekarnoputri. 

In a press conference at the PDI-P office in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 evening, PDI-P spokesperson Ahmad Basarah said that the elected Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and a dozen other party cadres were actually sent by Megawati to communicate with the central government.

"The presence of pak Pramono and fellow regional heads from PDI Perjuangan at the retreat in Magelang has been upon knowledge and reported to the PDI Perjuangan General Chair and other party executive board members," Basarah said.

He cited that Pramono, who acts as the "class leader" for the PDI-P cadres attending the retreat, is tasked tocommunicate and coordinate with the central government. Reports on the results of these communications are periodically delivered to Megawati and other party administrators.

However, Basarah did not reveal in detail the contents of Pramono's communications with the Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.

Not a prohibition

Basarah also cited that Megawati's instruction for the PDI-P cadres to postpone attending the retreat should not be misinterpreted as a prohibition.

"The PDI Perjuangan Chairperson has never prohibited all of her cadres, who were elected as regional heads in the 2024 Regional Elections, from participating in the retreat held by the government, in this case by the Ministry of Home Affairs," he said.

Megawati, said Basarah, only reminded the regional heads to prioritize tasks directly related to the interests of the people after being inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto.

"The General chairperson's message to party cadres serving as regional heads after being inaugurated is to prioritize real work by directly serving the people in their respective regions," he said.

Previously, PDI-P Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri issued an Executive Order on the evening of the opening of the retreat instructing all regional heads from PDI-P to postpone their participation in the retreat.

The instruction delivered on Thursday, February 20, 2025, was issued after PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto was detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in connection with an alleged corruption case related to the naming of party cadre Harun Masiku for the House of Representatives (DPR) membership for the 2019-2024 terms although he was not eligible according to the the General Elections Law.

Nevertheless, at least 19 regional heads from PDI-P are present in Magelang to attend the retreat. They include Pramono Anung, Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo, and Central Tapanuli Regent Masinton Pasaribu.