39
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is embroiled in a leadership crisis following the holding of two separate National Conferences (Munas) on December 8, 2024. This extraordinary situation resulted in two individuals, Jusuf Kalla (JK) and Agung Laksono, being declared Chairman of the PMI.
Q: What caused teh leadership crisis within the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI)?
A: The crisis was sparked by two separate National Conferences (Munas) held on December 8,2024,each resulting in a different individual being declared Chairman of the PMI.
Q: Who are the two individuals vying for the chairmanship of the PMI?
A: The two individuals are **Jusuf Kalla (JK)** adn **Agung Laksono**.
Q: How did **Jusuf Kalla** become the officially recognized Chairman?
A: **Jusuf Kalla** was elected Chairman at the officially sanctioned 22nd PMI National Conference held at the Jakarta Sultan Hotel. The Committee stated he was the only candidate who met the requirements.
Q: What were **Agung Laksono’s** claims about the election process?
A: **Agung Laksono** disputed the official results, claiming he had secured enough support (240 out of 329 conference participants) to meet the 20 percent threshold required. He believed the committee’s decision was unfair.
Q: Why did **Agung Laksono’s** supporters convene a separate conference?
A: **Agung Laksono’s** supporters, dissatisfied with the official conference proceedings, organized a parallel conference at the Jakarta Menara Peninsula Hotel. They claimed the official conference stifled dissent and did not represent the views of all regional administrators.
Q: What was **Agung Laksono’s** vision for the PMI if he were elected?
A: **Agung laksono** stated his desire to implement reforms within the PMI, notably focusing on updating the institution’s regulations to enhance accountability and better serve community needs.
Q: What was the response from the minister of Health regarding the PMI leadership dispute?
A: The minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, stated that the Ministry did not interfere in the affairs of organizations outside its purview and urged both factions to prioritize the PMI’s humanitarian work. He emphasized the importance of blood transfusion services, blood donations, and disaster management provided by the PMI.
Indonesian Red Cross Faces Leadership Dispute After Dual Conferences
Table of Contents
Official National Conference Selects Jusuf Kalla
The officially sanctioned 22nd PMI National Conference took place at JakartaS Sultan Hotel, culminating in the election of Jusuf Kalla as Chairman for the 2024–2029 term. Fachmi Idris, Chairman of the National Conference Commitee, asserted that JK was the sole candidate who fulfilled the necessary requirements. Agung Laksono’s bid for leadership faced a setback when his letter of support failed to reach the 20 percent threshold of valid votes required. Laksono, however, disputed the committee’s decision, claiming he had secured the backing of 240 out of 329 conference participants, exceeding the threshold. Laksono expressed his desire to usher in reforms within the PMI, stating, ”It’s not just changing the person, but also the rules. Our rules are a bit backwards”. He believes updating the PMI’s regulations is crucial to enhance its accountability, notably given its direct involvement with community needs.Rival Conference Forms Amidst Dissatisfaction
Discontent with the official National Conference proceedings led supporters of Agung Laksono to organize a parallel event at Jakarta’s menara Peninsula Hotel on the same day. PMI Secretary General Agung Ulla Nuchrawaty explained that this decision stemmed from concerns regarding the openness and democratic process of the official conference. Ulla Nuchrawaty stated, “The situation is no longer conducive, and we have to be accountable for the support of regional administrators who have been entrusted to Mas Agung”. She alleged that the official conference committee stifled dissenting voices, preventing regional administrators from expressing their opinions. This lack of inclusivity, according to nuchrawaty, compelled several regional administrators to withdraw and convene the rival conference, subsequently electing Agung Laksono as PMI Chairman for the 2024–2029 period. “Those who have other views are not permitted to interrupt or provide input,” she added. Nuchrawaty emphasized that the rival conference aimed to represent the aspirations of regional administrators and ensure that PMI decisions reflected the will of its members nationwide.Minister of Health Denies Involvement
Amidst the controversy, rumors circulated suggesting that the Minister of Health (Menkes), Budi Gunadi Sadikin, had sided with one of the contenders. However, the Minister of Health swiftly refuted these allegations, asserting, “We never interfere in the affairs of organizations outside our purview.”Indonesia’s PMI Faces Internal Conflict Amid Leadership Dispute
Tensions are running high within Indonesia’s Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) as a leadership dispute threatens to overshadow its vital humanitarian work. The controversy stems from a recent national conference where two factions emerged,each claiming legitimacy as PMI’s leaders. The Indonesian Minister of health, Budi gunadi Sadikin, has emphasized the PMI’s autonomy while urging both sides to prioritize humanitarian efforts. “We leave that to PMI,” he stated on December 10, 2024, at the presidential Palace, adding, “It’s not the ministers who choose, it’s the regional heads of PMI.” Minister Sadikin stressed the importance of PMI’s work, particularly blood transfusion services, blood donations, and disaster management, highlighting that these essential services directly impact human lives. Any disruption to these programs due to internal conflict, he warned, would be unacceptable. The results of the divisive national conference have been formally submitted to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for review and a final determination. In the meantime, the dualistic conflict within PMI raises concerns about the organization’s ability to effectively address the humanitarian needs of the Indonesian people.Q: What caused teh leadership crisis within the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI)?
A: The crisis was sparked by two separate National Conferences (Munas) held on December 8,2024,each resulting in a different individual being declared Chairman of the PMI.
Q: Who are the two individuals vying for the chairmanship of the PMI?
A: The two individuals are **Jusuf Kalla (JK)** adn **Agung Laksono**.
Q: How did **Jusuf Kalla** become the officially recognized Chairman?
A: **Jusuf Kalla** was elected Chairman at the officially sanctioned 22nd PMI National Conference held at the Jakarta Sultan Hotel. The Committee stated he was the only candidate who met the requirements.
Q: What were **Agung Laksono’s** claims about the election process?
A: **Agung Laksono** disputed the official results, claiming he had secured enough support (240 out of 329 conference participants) to meet the 20 percent threshold required. He believed the committee’s decision was unfair.
Q: Why did **Agung Laksono’s** supporters convene a separate conference?
A: **Agung Laksono’s** supporters, dissatisfied with the official conference proceedings, organized a parallel conference at the Jakarta Menara Peninsula Hotel. They claimed the official conference stifled dissent and did not represent the views of all regional administrators.
Q: What was **Agung Laksono’s** vision for the PMI if he were elected?
A: **Agung laksono** stated his desire to implement reforms within the PMI, notably focusing on updating the institution’s regulations to enhance accountability and better serve community needs.
Q: What was the response from the minister of Health regarding the PMI leadership dispute?
A: The minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, stated that the Ministry did not interfere in the affairs of organizations outside its purview and urged both factions to prioritize the PMI’s humanitarian work. He emphasized the importance of blood transfusion services, blood donations, and disaster management provided by the PMI.
