Ahy Has Been Re-elected As The Chairman Of The Democratic Party, Reflecting On The Challenges Faced Five Years Ago And Those That Lie Ahead

Tempo/Imam Sukamto

Ahy Has Been Re-elected As The Chairman Of The Democratic Party, Reflecting On The Challenges Faced Five Years Ago And Those That Lie Ahead

Thursday, 27 Feb 2025

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), the eldest son of the sixth President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Democratic Party for the 2025-2030 term. This decision was made during the sixth congress of the Democratic Party held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta on the evening of February 24, 2025. The election process was devoid of political dynamics, as all Branch Leadership Councils (DPC) and Regional Leadership Councils (DPD) unanimously requested AHY to lead the party for a second term, resulting in an acclamation decision. "We ask, can Mr. AHY be approved as the Chairman by acclamation for the 2025-2030 term?" inquired the plenary session leader, Herman Khaeron, on Monday. "Agreed," responded the Democratic Party cadres.

Herman Khaeron then struck the gavel and asked the congress participants if the decision could be ratified. "Valid," replied the leaders of the DPC and DPD of the Democratic Party from across Indonesia. Facing Moeldoko and his associates, AHY first assumed the role of Chairman of the Democratic Party in 2020, when he was elected by the cadres to succeed SBY, who transitioned to the position of Chairman of the High Council (MTP). Although his initial tenure appeared smooth, AHY's leadership of the party symbolized by the mercy star encountered challenges. On February 2, 2021, AHY unexpectedly held a press conference, announcing to the public that there was a political attack aimed at undermining his position and the management of the Democratic Party's central board (DPP).

"This coalition of actors consists of five individuals: one active Democratic cadre, one cadre who has been inactive for six years, one former cadre who was expelled from the party nine years ago due to a corruption conviction, and one former cadre who left the party three years ago," AHY stated at that time. "The non-party member involved is a high-ranking government official, for whom we are currently seeking confirmation and clarification from President Joko Widodo," he added.