Megawati: Our 51 Years Are Not Because of the Elite or the President, But the People

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Megawati Soekarnoputri reminded the importance of unity between political parties and the grassroots. History proves that it is the people who always play a role in strengthening the party and even the nation and state in various difficult situations, not the elite. A month before voting day, strengthening ties with the grassroots is also believed to be the most important step to win 2024 Election.

"Strengthen the grass roots because that is our real strength. Keep that in mind as a breath of contemplation, 51 years we have become like this not because of the elite, not because of the president, not because of the minister. "But because the people support us," said Megawati Soekarnoputri in a speech celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) at the PDI-P Party School, Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, Wednesday (10/1/2024) .

The celebration of the 51st anniversary of PDI-P was held with limited invitations, only for 51 people. In addition to Megawati, the event was attended by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and presidential candidate number 3, Ganjar Pranowo. Several political party elites supporting the presidential and vice presidential candidate pair of Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD were also present, including Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) Mardiono, Chairman of the Indonesian Unity Party (Perindo) Hary Tanoesoedibjo, and Secretary General of the People's Conscience Party (Hanura) Benny Ramdhani.

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President Jokowi was not present

From within the ranks of PDI-P, present are, among others, the Chairman of PDI-P DPP who is also the son and daughter of Megawati, namely Prananda Prabowo and Puan Maharani; as well as the General Secretary of PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto. Also present were PDI-P cadres who also serve as ministers in the Indonesia Maju Cabinet, including the Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna H Laoly, the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, as well as the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform, Abdullah Azwar Anas, who also attended the agenda.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo, who is also a member of PDI-P, did not attend the event. The President is currently visiting Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam from Tuesday (9/1/2024) until January 14th. Throughout her approximately one-hour speech, Megawati did not mention Jokowi's absence. However, when opening her speech, she greeted the Vice President and thanked him for attending the celebration of PDI-P's 51st anniversary.

Throughout the event, Megawati sat flanked by Vice President Amin and Ganjar. Vice President Amin was also invited to cut the tumpeng alongside Megawati and other PDI-P elites. When taking a group photo, Vice President Amin raised three fingers, the PDI-P's signature gesture commonly referred to as the metal.

Megawati revealed that PDI-P has gone through a long journey. In every phase, there have been many tests to the party's existence, one of which was when facing the New Order regime. Despite experiencing difficult situations, the party has proven to still exist because of the support of the people, not just certain elite groups or officials. "When experiencing oppression, it is the people who strengthen us," she said.

Megawati likened the people to grassroots that can survive anywhere and have high resilience. Grass also always gathers, interlacing with one another so that even if it is cut, burned or pulled out, it never dies. "Just like roots, the PDI Perjuangan must be grounded and solid in movement. That is why going down to the grassroots is so important," she said.

Sorry, but even the New Order eventually fell. What does that mean? Power will eventually come to an end, but the people will remain. (Megawati Soekarnoputri)

Also read: Celebrate Anniversary at Party School, PDI-P Reminds of Regeneration Process

People's power

Not only playing an important role, Megawati continued, the people are the real holders of political power. For that reason, practical politics must aim to fulfill the interests of the people as desired by the founding fathers of the nation. Megawati's voice rose when discussing the tendency of elites who often forget the common people who still live in misery and injustice.

Furthermore, he believes that the people are currently being toyed with by those in power. The people should receive equal treatment under the law, but that's not the case. Instead, the law is being used for the benefit of certain parties, including those related to the elections.

Megawati emphasized that elections are not a tool to perpetuate power by any means necessary. In conducting elections, there are morals and ethics that must be upheld. This must be taken into consideration because no power is everlasting.

In addition, Indonesia is a sovereign and independent country. No party should feel more powerful than others, especially using that power to intimidate the people into making their political choices. "I am sorry, but the New Order also eventually fell. What does that mean? Power will eventually come to an end, but the people are enduring," said Megawati.

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Ganjar stated in his speech that he had just returned from campaigning in Cilacap, Banyumas, and Purbalingga, Central Java, throughout Tuesday. On Wednesday (10/1/2024) morning, he departed from Central Java to Jakarta to attend the celebration of PDI-P's 51st anniversary.

Ganjar stated that from each joint agenda with the people, he is able to understand the feelings and hopes of the people both from the competition and election participants. So far, the most frequently voiced hope is related to the high prices of basic necessities, as well as uneven access to education and health. "That is especially voiced by mothers," he said.

According to Ganjar, it can only be known by going down to the grassroots. Therefore, when PDI-P prioritizes absorbing people's aspirations directly, the party and all its cadres can directly understand the people's hopes.

Apart from that, this step will also build ties with the people. This bond also strengthens people's confidence not to be afraid of anything, including intimidation of their political choices in the 2024 elections. "That's why people are never afraid, when they are intimidated they remain silent because they hide that courage in their hearts. "And they will say, please press, force us, we will just say it, but our decision will be at the TPS (voting place)," said Ganjar.