Monique Handa Shafira, Jakarta – The United Development Party (PPP), one of the country's oldest political parties, named Muhammad Mardiono as its definitive chairman for the 2025-2030 term on Saturday, in a chaotic congress marred by fistfights and chair-throwing among rival factions.
Mardiono, who had been serving as acting chairman since 2022, was elected by acclamation at PPP's 10th national congress at the Mercure Convention Center in Ancol, North Jakarta. The decision was endorsed by 1,304 delegates with voting rights present at the plenary session, according to session leader Amir Uskara.
"Congratulations to Mr. Mardiono, who has been unanimously approved as chairman by the delegates," Amir told a press conference at the venue. He added that under the party's bylaws, only candidates physically present are eligible, leaving Mardiono as the sole valid nominee.
In his acceptance remarks, Mardiono expressed gratitude and pledged to carry out his mandate. "I am ready to fulfill this trust. Thank you for the overwhelming support," he said. The congress will continue with the formation of the new executive board by a team of eight representatives.
The event was overshadowed by violent clashes earlier in the day, when rival camps of party members exchanged blows, hurled chairs, and shouted demands for leadership change. The brawl, which lasted about 10 minutes before security intervened, left several people injured.
Mardiono called for unity, saying disagreements should not descend into chaos. "Differences in opinion are part of the struggle, but they must be pursued with reason and propriety," he told reporters.
The leadership transition comes at a low point for PPP. Once a dominant force with roots in Islamic politics, the party failed to secure any seats in parliament for the first time in its history in the 2024 general election, winning just 3.87 percent of the vote, below the 4 percent threshold required to enter the House of Representatives.
"We cannot close our eyes to the fact that the last election was a heavy blow," Mardiono said during his opening speech. "PPP's failure to pass the threshold is a bitter reality we must face together."
PPP has invited President Prabowo Subianto and leaders of other political parties to the closing ceremony of the congress on Monday. Party Secretary-General Muhammad Arwani Thomafi said an official invitation had been sent to the presidential palace, though no confirmation had been received.
Founded in 1973 as a merger of several Islamic parties under the Suharto regime, PPP has long struggled to maintain its relevance in Indonesia's competitive political landscape. Its latest setback raises questions about the party's survival as a national political force.