Postponement of Regional Head Retreat from PDIP Hinders Collaboration Between Central and Regional Governments

Jakarta – The detention of the Secretary General of the PDI Perjuangan, Hasto Kristiyanto, by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on February 20, 2025 has triggered various reactions, including from within the party. One of the most striking impacts was the instruction of the General Chairperson of the PDI Perjuangan, Megawati Soekarnoputri, who asked regional heads and deputy regional heads from the PDIP to postpone their participation in the government retreat in Magelang, Central Java, on February 21-28, 2025.
This decision raised concerns about disrupting coordination between the central and regional governments. The retreat, which was supposed to be an event to strengthen synergy between various regional leaders and the central government, was in danger of not being optimal due to the absence of regional heads from the PDIP. Several parties considered that this step could hinder the alignment of national policies with implementation in the regions.
On the other hand, the public continues to encourage the KPK to immediately resolve the case that ensnared Hasto Kristiyanto. The Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, Habiburokhman, stated that the KPK’s steps in detaining Hasto were part of its authority as a law enforcement agency. “KPK investigators do have the authority to detain Mr. Hasto as a suspect,” he said on Thursday (20/2/2025). However, he also emphasized the importance of respecting Hasto’s legal rights, including the right to file a pretrial motion. “On the other hand, Mr. Hasto’s legal rights must be guaranteed and respected,” he added.
Support for the KPK to continue to act firmly without political intervention also came from the Anti-Corruption Student and Community Coalition. They held a peaceful demonstration in front of the KPK’s Red and White Building to urge the resolution of this case. “Today we took to the streets to urge the KPK to act firmly without political intervention. The case of Harun Masiku who is still at large and the alleged involvement of Hasto Kristiyanto must be resolved immediately,” said the action coordinator, Akrom.
This coalition also emphasized that they will continue to monitor the case until it is resolved. If there is no significant development in the near future, they threaten to hold another demonstration with a larger number of people. “Corruption is our common enemy. If the KPK does not act firmly, then we will return to the streets with a bigger action. We want justice to be upheld, without compromise,” Akrom emphasized. In their action, they conveyed three main demands. First, asking the KPK to complete the Harun Masiku and Hasto Kristiyanto cases professionally and transparently. Second, reminding the KPK not to be afraid of political pressure. Third, ensuring that the KPK remains independent in eradicating corruption in Indonesia.