Budiman Sudjatmiko receives offers from political parties following dismissal from PDIP

INDONESIA – In the aftermath of his dismissal from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), several political parties have extended invitations to Budiman Sudjatmiko, an Indonesian activist and politician who was a political prisoner during the final years of the Suharto regime, to join their ranks.

Notably, the Gerindra Party has shown openness in welcoming him. Habiburokhman, Vice Chairman of the Gerindra Party, asserted that their party is open to all Indonesian citizens who uphold the values of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), and the principle of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity).

“Gerindra Party is a party that is open to all Indonesian citizens. Anyone who accepts Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, NKRI, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika can become a member of Gerindra,” stated Habiburokhman in his statement to CNNIndonesia.com on Friday (25 Aug).

Furthermore, Habiburokhman indicated that Budiman Sudjatmiko, 53, shares similar political aspirations with the Gerindra Party.

He expressed that Gerindra is willing to embrace Budiman Sudjatmiko should he decide to join, stating, “From what I see, Budiman’s struggle and goals are quite similar to those of the Gerindra Party – to advance Indonesia, empower the nation, and ensure the welfare of the people.”

This sentiment was conveyed on Saturday (26 Aug) in Condet, East Jakarta.

Habiburokhman, Vice Chairman of the Gerindra Party.

Fadli Zon, Vice Chairman of Gerindra, noted that while the party welcomes Budiman, the decision ultimately lies with him.

“If Budiman wants to join Gerindra, of course, he is welcome, but we don’t want to impose. It depends on his choice,” stated Fadli Zon.

However, despite these offers, Budiman Sudjatmiko has not yet announced his decision regarding his potential affiliation with Gerindra or other parties.

Habiburokhman remarked, “Currently, we have not received any information on whether Mr. Budiman intends to join Gerindra, so we do not want to speculate.”

Nevertheless, according to Habiburokhman, the Gerindra Party does not want to interfere in PDIP’s decision to dismiss Budiman. Gerindra respects the mechanisms within PDIP’s internal affairs.

The Gerindra Party’s willingness to consider Budiman Sudjatmiko’s potential membership reflects the fluid nature of Indonesian politics, where alliances and affiliations can be shaped by shared ideologies and objectives.

Other parties, such as the Nation Awakening Party (PKB), have also expressed openness to his inclusion. Jazilul Fawaid, Vice Chairman of the Nation Awakening Party (PKB), highlighted the compatibility between PKB and Budiman, citing the shared activist backgrounds of many PKB members.

Jazilul indicated that Budiman could be considered as a potential legislative candidate for the 2024 elections.

Regarding Budiman’s dismissal from PDIP, Jazilul refrained from extensive commentary, citing it as an internal matter for both PDIP and PKB. He emphasized respect for PDIP’s decisions.

Jazilul Fawaid, Vice Chairman of the Nation Awakening Party (PKB).

It is worth noting that PDI Perjuangan officially removed Budiman Sudjatmiko from its membership. The party’s decision stemmed from Budiman’s substantial error in endorsing Gerindra Chairman Prabowo Subianto as a presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.

The expulsion was outlined in a written resolution from PDIP’s Central Executive Board (DPP), signed by PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri and Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto.

Komarudin Watubun, Chairman of DPP’s Honorary Board, confirmed Budiman’s dismissal, which was the outcome of a disciplinary committee hearing within PDIP on 21 August. Komarudin clarified that the sanctions imposed could be verified at DPP’s secretariat.

Meanwhile, Budiman Sudjatmiko has broken his silence regarding his next steps. Drawing a poignant analogy, he likened his situation to that of someone newly single, expressing his intention to be “unaffiliated” or politically unattached for a time, much like a period of mourning following a breakup.

“I might consider being ‘unaffiliated’ for a while. It’s like someone who has just lost a life partner, needing to undergo a prolonged period of mourning. Isn’t that normal during such times?” Budiman remarked at Tennis Indoor, Senayan, Jakarta, last Tuesday.

The impact of his dismissal reverberates deeply, given that Budiman’s political career had its roots firmly planted within PDIP.

Despite this upheaval, he revealed that he is eyeing alternative political affiliations, particularly the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and the Gerindra Party.

Nevertheless, Budiman emphasized that he requires time to make a decision about party membership once he has concluded his mourning period following the dismissal.