Markus Junianto Sihaloho, Jakarta – Two factions of the United Development Party (PPP), locked in a bitter leadership dispute, have both announced their intention to hold a congress in the party's name.
The PPP camp led by acting chairman Emron Pangkapi and deputy secretary general Isa Muhsin announced the party would hold a national working meeting this week to determine its commitment to Prabowo Subianto's Red-White coalition, and set a date for a party congress.
But former PPP chairman Suryadharma Ali, who was ousted from his role by party leaders earlier this month, is preparing for his own congress on Oct. 23.
The dispute is the latest in the party rift, which followed the dismissal of Suryadharma after he was named a graft suspect by the country's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
It is alleged Suryadharma, as minister of religious affairs, embezzled funds for the hajj, the annual pilgrimage that Muslims are required to undertake to Mecca.
Dimyati Natakusumah, who backs Suryadharma, said any congress outside the one held on Oct. 23 would be illegitimate. The party's national board, according to Dimyati, has already told local chapters about the congress.
"Him [acting chairman Emron] holding a congress – that must be illegitimate," Dimyati said. "Emron and Romy have been fired by Suryadharma Ali," he added, referring to Romahurmuziy, the party's secretary general.
Dimyati said only Suryadharma's version of the congress could be recognized as legitimate, as it was the only one that fulfilled requirements of the party's constitution.
The requirements included that the congress be announced to local chapters 30 days before the event; that it be held by the legal chairman; and that it be attended by half of the delegates from provincial and district chapters.
Suryadharma was still registered as the party's chairman with the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, Dimyati said, meaning only Suryadharma could hold a congress legally.
Dimyati expressed disappointment with the party rift, which has escalated over the past week. "We used to be friends, like children or brothers, but now it seems like we're killing each other, firing each other just because of the positions," he said. "What's the value of a position, anyway? Where is our dignity?"
Dimyati the chairman could only leave the position if he resigned, was unable to preside permanently, or was involved in a corruption case that had resulted in a legally-binding decision.
"Looking at those [reasons], there's nothing that Suryadharma has been through," Dimyati said. "He was named suspect, without verdict nor indictment."