Exclusive, Chairman of PDIP Representative Office Surakarta City FX Hadi Rudyatmo Is Outspoken About Gibran Rakabuming Raka

The chairman of the PDIP Surakarta DPC spoke openly about the progress of Gibran Rakabuming Raka. (Photo Irfan Medianto, DI Raga VOI)

As Chair of the PDIP Surakarta DPC, FX Hadi Rudyatmo's role in Gibran Rakabuming Raka's political journey is clearly recorded. The same thing happened to Jokowi when he first entered the political stage. When someone chooses his role, he doesn't worry. Because he believes history will record and prove everything in the future.

***

The gossip about Gibran Rakabuming Raka finally running as vice presidential candidate alongside Prabowo Subianto caught the attention of the public throughout the country. The problem is, President Jokowi's eldest son is actually not old enough to be a presidential and vice presidential candidate because he is still under 40 years old, as written in the law. But there is no problem that has no solution. The lawsuit regarding the material of the law was not filed with the Constitutional Court (MK). Several parties filed a lawsuit over the article that prevented Gibran from running as vice presidential candidate.

It turns out that Anwar Usman's role as Gibran's uncle cannot be underestimated. The Constitutional Court granted part of the lawsuit from a student at the Faculty of Law, University of Surakarta (Unsa) named Almas Tsaqibbirru in case number 90/PUU-XXI/2023 regarding the minimum age for presidential candidates (capres) and vice presidential candidates (cawapres) in Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning Election. Even though the question of age was not granted, the experience of having been a regional head was the right entry point for Gibran. So, even though he is not yet 40 years old because he has already been Mayor, he has slipped through the eye of the needle. "I don't understand the law, I'm just a welder," he said.

The chairman of the PDIP Solo DPC, FX Hadi Rudyatmo, was one of the parties who was often asked to comment on Gibran's drastic political journey, especially after officially accompanying Prabowo as vice presidential candidate. One thing that is underlined is the matter of attitude. "So when that person comes, he looks at his face, when he goes home he looks at his back," stressed FX Rudy as he is usually addressed regarding Gibran who has not yet returned his PDIP Membership Card.

To Iqbal Irsyad, Edy Suherli, and Irfan Medianto from VOI who visited him at his private residence in the Jebres area, Surakarta, on Saturday 18 November, he spoke frankly about the figure and progress of Gibran Rakabuming Raka and also President Joko Widodo amidst the chaos Indonesian politics is like a drama. Here's the full quote."

According to the Chairman of the PDIP DPC for Surakarta City, FX Hadi Rudyatmo, at least twice Gibran surprised him. (Photo Irfan Medianto, DI Raga Granada VOI)

Your statement regarding President Jokowi's request regarding Gibran Rakabuming's desire to become a candidate for Mayor of Surakarta, even though at that time PDIP already had a candidate, has attracted the attention of many parties. What was your motivation for bringing this to light?

I have opened it a long time ago but to local media. Now this issue has become hot again after the political incident occurred when Gibran became Prabowo Subianto's vice presidential candidate, even though he was still a PDIP cadre.

Can you tell us about the beginning of Gibran's desire to become a mayoral candidate even though he used to do business?

So when Mr. Jokowi met me, saying there was no wind and no rain, Gibran suddenly asked to run as a candidate for Mayor of Surakarta. I told Mr. Jokowi that we had carried out a screening process from branch to branch deliberations, and the candidate already existed, namely the Purnomo-Teguh pair. I said everything was complete and just had to report it to the PDIP DPP.

The party rules are clear, regional head candidates and legislative candidates must be PDIP members for a minimum of two years. Well, Gibran is not yet a member. But if you really have a wish like that, please agree with the Chairperson, because she has the prerogative to decide. Whoever the General Chair recommends, I am ready to win.

So?

After that, in September 2021, Gibran came to the PDIP office to take the form to become a member. The requirement to become a candidate is KTA. I was shocked, how could it be like this? While waiting for the recommendation from the General Chair to come down, I am still supporting the Purnomo-Teguh pair. Before the recommendation came down, I was summoned to the DPP. When asked by the DPP, I still said Purnomo-Teguh was in accordance with party rules. Then he returned to Solo, but a few days later Mr. Purnomo and I were summoned to the palace, given the understanding that a recommendation would be given to Gibran. Instead, Mr Purnomo was offered to become the main commissioner of a BUMN. After that, recommendations came down for Gibran.

Because of his recommendation for Gibran, I mobilized all party elements to support the Gibran-Teguh pair. And the entire cadre submits to me. I introduced Gibran to all PDIP administrators and sympathizers. If someone says they choose the people, yes, but it is the people who are coordinated and accommodated by the party. If you feel confident that you can be elected by the people, why not go the independent route.

PDIP in Surakarta is very solid, whoever nominates can win, what's the secret?

I always give these party cadres in Solo provisions, if you want to join the PDIP, be a militant cadre and have commitment, don't be a loyalist cadre. This means that if there is no order, there is no point in not leaving. If it was militant, they were ordered to carry it out, and (Gibran) won 82.9 percent.

Due to the selection of PDIP cadres who had fought to win over Gibran, there were those tasked with guarding the vote, being witnesses at the polling stations, etc., disappointed when he said that. But I have advised my cadres, if you join a political party, be prepared to be disappointed and ready to be let down.

After Gibran won as Mayor, I was called by Mr. Pramono Anung, he said that Mrs. Mega had agreed for me to become Deputy Minister of PUPR. Mr Pratikno also reported the same thing. Thirdly, Gibran also reported this. But I refused the offer, because I prioritized friendship with Mr. Purnomo rather than a position. Mr Purnomo also did not accept the offer to become BUMN commissioner on the grounds that he was old.

Apart from that, are there any other job offers for you?

If there is no direct offer, but there is talk that is spread, I have heard. Whatever it is, I still won't accept it.

Actually, is it Mr Jokowi's, Mrs Iriana's or Gibran's wish to become a mayoral candidate?

If that's their strategy, yes, the first person who put it to me was Mr. Jokowi. There was no wind, no wind, no rain, suddenly Mr. Jokowi said that Gibran wanted to be mayor.

The thing is, before that we didn't hear that Gibran was interested in politics because he preferred doing business, have you heard the same thing?

Mr. Jokowi's children; Gibran and Kaesang are not interested in politics. Gibran even said he only wanted business when asked by journalists. But the reality is not like that now. Now what do you want to argue? That's why I was surprised when Mr. Jokowi said that Gibran wanted to run as a candidate for mayor. Party officials are those tasked by the party to gain power, and that power is for the welfare of the people.

Chairman of the PDIP DPC for Surakarta City, FX Hadi Rudyatmo, emphasized that he and Gibran rarely communicate. (Photo Irfan Medianto, DI Raga Granada VOI)

After Gibran became Mayor, what was your relationship with him like?

Communication is rare, reply thank you or just thank you or not. If you WA, the answer takes a long time. So he still thinks I didn't win him over. Luckily, I have 30 seats in the DPRD out of 45 members, so if I don't win, that's okay. Javanese people say this is like peanuts forgetting their skin.

When he wanted to run as vice presidential candidate, did he also tell you?

No, he (Gibran) always said that he was a PDIP Perjuangan cadre, standing upright to the PDIP General Chair. As soon as something like that happened, that's it, I wrote a letter to Gibran. The content is: when the person comes, looks at his face, when he comes home he looks at his back. Later in its development, Mrs. Mega was bullied because she was considered to be standing on two interests. I then spoke. I ask him who previously came asking for the PDIP KTA, now let's return the PDIP KTA carefully. Withdraw from PDIP.

Before you issued that strong statement, did Gibran contact you?

Nothing, I just didn't reply to my WA. I last met him after the PDIP National Working Meeting some time ago. While I was at the Vatican, he contacted Mau Sowan for consultation and coordination. I answered that I would just go to the Mayor's office, even though I am the Chair of the PDIP DPC.

PDIP Gibran's KTA, has it been returned?

Until now, not yet, even though he said he would return it. OK, then close the book. This means that he is no longer a PDIP cadre.

Does he communicate with the PDIP DPP?

If that's the case, I don't know, my business is only the PDIP DPC.

So Gibran suddenly surprised you twice?

Oh yes, first when he wanted to become a candidate for mayor, and now when he wanted to become a candidate for vice president. So that Mrs. Mega is not considered to be standing on two legs and Mr. Jokowi is the same, I ask Mr. Gibran to return the PDIP KTA.

Has Jokowi had time to communicate with you about Gibran's plans to run as vice presidential candidate?

There isn't any. There was no communication about that.

In terms of age, Gibran did not meet the requirements, but the Constitutional Court finally issued a decision allowing him to run as a presidential candidate. That is my belief, because the law is clear. Even after the Constitutional Court's decision, Mr. Gibran still managed to speak straight. Later he was promoted by the Golkar Party. Next, regarding the Constitutional Court's decision, I will leave it to those who understand legal matters what to do next. Because I don't understand that. I'm just a welder.

Are you surprised that you didn't hear the statement and attitude of President Jokowi, who initially said he was upright with the PDIP and the General Chair, suddenly supporting a cadre from another party as a presidential candidate?

Yes, shocked. In 2022 after returning from Mount Sinai, I was asked by him. “What is the celestial language, sir (for the 2024 presidential election)? I answered Ganjar Pranowo's celestial language. He asked again who his representative would be? As for representatives, it's up to anyone. After getting the recommendation, you should return to Mount Sinai. Yes, that's what we can do, pray, I don't have the materials.

When the presidential candidate's serial numbers were announced at the KPU, a video went viral of Kaesang accompanied by Gibran speaking to PDIP Chairman Megawati, how did you see it?

There are two videos circulating. In the first video, you can see Mrs. Mega receiving a greeting from her son, Mr. Jokowi, Mr. Gibran, and Mr. Kaesang. He never refused to shake hands. I think that's what's being fried on social media, as if Mrs. Mega refuses to shake hands. Please let people judge what actually happened. I just ask that my General Chairperson don't bully me, that's all. The order is to continue to guard President Jokowi until he completes his duties. There's nothing left, Mrs. Mega, I'll get the hang of it later, you know.

When she became president, Megawati Soekarnoputri gave citizenship to Prabowo, who at that time was stateless, have you heard that news?

Yes that's correct. This includes Ganjar also fighting for dual citizenship. Then a law was made. So what my General Chair said was not a lie. He said Rudy was nothing if there was no party, yes that's true. I am tasked with the party achieving victory, and that is in the interests of the people.

Since when did you join PDIP?

Since 1975 I have joined the PDIP. I fought from below; until finally the Chairman of the PDIP Surakarta DPC. And became a candidate for deputy mayor accompanying Mr. Jokowi. Initially I was asked to be a candidate for mayor, but I was self-conscious. I'm in the minority, I don't have any experience. If you really ask me, let me be the representative first. So I can study first. Searched and then met Mr. Jokowi, I accompanied him as his deputy candidate. Before it was decided, an internal convention was held at PDIP Solo. There are several couples; Mr Jokowi and I, Mr. Warsito with Mr. Abhimanyu, Mr. Farid Badris with Mr. Fathoni and Slamet Suryanto with Engkinator Sapto. Mr Jokowi and I got 254 votes. The majority of votes are sent to the PDIP DPP.

Before that, did Mr. Has Jokowi ever been involved in politics?

Never before, that's why there was resistance from the task force. I have to convince the PDIP task force. I then introduced Mr. Jokowi throughout the city of Solo. Before voting he asked me, will we win or not? I said my prediction was 38 percent.

When you wanted to become a candidate for Mayor, you asked Jokowi, what were his intentions?

He didn't answer. Then I just explained that being Mayor is not about looking for a job and position or money. But to serve the people or society. I am executing Mr Jokowi's policy. That's why when he was going to Jakarta to become a candidate for governor, he told the public not to worry about Rudy.

You told me that Mrs. Megawati was very persistent in fighting for Jokowi, to the point where she had to differ with the late Taufik Kiemas, what's the story?

My General Chairman, if he has made a decision, whatever the risk, he is ready to accept it. Until, sorry, that's when Mr. Taufik does not agree with Mr. Jokowi, but Mrs. Mega remains with her stance. Because they had different opinions, the two of them slept alone for 6 months, imagine what their struggle was like.

Next, after the situation is like now, we will follow the direction of the General Chairperson, focus on winning Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD.

Now with the advancement of Gibran as Prabowo's vice presidential candidate, the relationship between Mrs. Mega, PDIP cadres and President Jokowi is reportedly strained, is that true?

Yes, obviously. Those who said it was perpendicular, perpendicular turned out to be that in the end. The mind cannot be lied to. Whether you want to say that the relationship is tenuous or not, my General Chair still instructed Mr. Jokowi until the end of his term. Less than that.

Until now Mr. Jokowi is still a PDIP member?

Yes, he still doesn't do anything, unless he later becomes the founder of one of the new political parties, KTA is reversed or resigns.

After Gibran became Prabowo's vice presidential candidate and PDIP's relationship with President Jokowi was reportedly strained, there was surveillance of the PDIP Surakarta DPC office, has this happened before?

During my time as Chair of the PDIP DPC, the Surakarta PDIP DPC office was never visited by police or TNI Polri without prior coordination and communication. It was the people who photographed the incident, you know. This is not true, this is the beginning of intervention and intimidation. We have to fight.

Finally, the Police Chief apologized for this incident, what is your response?

If it is considered wrong and you apologize, I emphasize that there is nothing to forgive. But we really ask the president to convey that the TNI, Polri and ASN must be neutral.

There were actions to remove Ganjar's banners in North Sumatra and Yogyakarta, how do you see this incident?

What is the difference between Ganjar's banner and other legislative candidates and politicians? It's just a face and self-introduction, there's no invitation to vote yet. If we want to be fair, all legislative candidates will be disciplined. This means don't be selective, when Ganjar is treated like that. The authorities should be neutral and impartial. To the cadres, I say that even though there is treatment like this, don't be tempted to act harshly.

 

Empowering the Bengawan Solo Watershed, FX Rudy Creates Sunan Jogo Kali Park

FX Rudy invites the community to work together to create the Sunan Jogo Kali park. (Photo Irfan Medianto, DI Raga Granada VOI)

Previously, the Bengawan Solo river basin (DAS) in Pucangsawit Village, Jebres District, Surakarta was a slum area and was prone to flooding. Now the settlement has been relocated. Once neglected and becoming a bush, now FX Hadi Rudyatmo and local residents have transformed it into a beautiful place, the name Taman Sunan Jogo Kali.

In this park there is a stage that can be used as a venue for music and other arts performances. There are also park chairs, tourist boats and children's play rides available at this place. And what is not left behind is the MSME stand which sells various foods and drinks ranging from snacks to heavy dishes such as rice and lontong.

"We started making this park since I was no longer mayor, February 2021. Slowly, this place finally became this place," Rudy when met by VOI at Taman Joko Kali, Jebres, Surakarta, Saturday 18 November.

Regarding the name Sunan Jogo Kali, it turns out there is an extension. “Sunan Joko this time stands for Senajang Uripe Nandang Atine Nelangsa, Jejeg Ora Goyah, Ora Goreh, Kanthi Linambaran Iman. This means that even though life is difficult, stay straight, don't waver or worry. Hold on to faith and trust in God Almighty," explained the owner's full name Fransiskus Xaverius Hadi Rudyatmo.

Now Rudy and local residents who sell, serve as parking attendants and cleaners in this park can smile. Jogo Kali Park has become a new tourist destination in the Jebres area and the eastern city of Solo.

Indeed, the majority of visitors are still local tourists. However, one or two also came from outside Solo. “There used to be bushes here after the settlements here were relocated. Lots of snakes and other wild animals here. "Now it has become a beautiful park," he said, adding that up to 2,000 visitors could come to the Sunan Jogo Kali park last night.

Limited funds did not make Rudy lose his mind. He looked for used materials such as dismantled bus stops, unused blocks and other used materials to decorate this park. “We use used materials in various agencies. Rather than not using it, we are submitting an application to use it here. But not all materials are used, there are also materials purchased in new condition. But not much," said the man who was born in Surakarta on February 13 1960.

What's interesting is that there is no charge to enter this park. The only requirement is that visitors must not bring food and drinks from outside. These rules are clearly written at the park entrance. That way, MSMEs who sell here can sell their wares.

Naga Basuki Boat

FX Rudy utilized used goods to create the Sunan Jogo Kali park. (Photo Irfan Medianto, DI Raga Granada VOI)

The Bengawan Solo River, which is calm during the dry season, is also optimized for motorboats that can take visitors upstream. On the edge of the pier there is a boat decorated with a dragon's head. The name of the boat is Naga Basuki, how come it is similar to the name of a Minister of the Advanced Indonesian Cabinet?

Yes, according to FX Hadi Rudyatmo, this boat is taken from the name of PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, who donated the motorized boat. "This boat was donated by Mr. "Basuki, as a form of respect for him who generously donated, we have embedded his name on this boat," he said while pointing to the boat which was parked on a small pier on the side of the Bengawan Solo River.

Monday to Friday open from 15.00 to afternoon. Meanwhile, on weekends it is open from 10.00 to afternoon. The manager sets a rate of IDR 30,000 if you want to get a culinary coupon. And only IDR 20,000 without a culinary coupon to get on the boat.

Apart from Basuki's dragon boat, there are also canoes that can carry a single passenger which can be used to travel down the river.

Welding By Himself

For FX Rudy, there is no problem doing the welding himself after he is no longer mayor. (Photo Irfan Medianto, DI Raga Granada VOI)

To beautify Sunan Jogo Kali Park, Rudy did not hesitate to step in, he even welded several parts of the park facilities himself, such as stands for MSMEs, the main stage and several other parts.

“Because I did the welding myself, journalists reported it. Eh, apparently it went viral that the former mayor became a welder," said the man with a thick mustache, chuckling.

Rudy is not at all ashamed of being a welder, even though he was previously the number one person in the city of Surakarta. “Why should you be embarrassed, this job is halal. I do not harm other people through the activities I do. So what's strange about me welding," said Rudy, who is also a collector of waste that can be resold, such as used bottles, used drums and so on.

Through this activity of being a craftsman, there is a moral message that Rudy wants to convey to anyone who has held office, whether as a people's representative or regional head such as a Regent, Mayor or Governor. “There is no need to be ashamed of the activities of welders and collecting rubbish. The important thing is that what we do is halal," he said.

Through activities that provide real benefits to society, this is a surefire way to become known. There's no need to be reckless, let alone to the detriment of state finances. “Enough with the salary given and the rest is business. Remember that position is just a suffix, wealth is just a deposit and life is just a loan. So it must be managed well. "Power is for the welfare of the people, not for oneself or a group," said FX Hadi Rudyatmo, ending the conversation.

"Becoming Mayor is not to look for a job and position or money. But to serve the people or society,"

FX Rudy