Mardiono Ready To Lead PPP Again If He Implemented, Congress Accelerated For The Sake Of The 2029 Election

Mataram (Plt) Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), Mardiono, expressed his readiness to lead the party if given the mandate in the 10th Congress planned for 2025. However, he emphasized that he had never won a position or run throughout his career at PPP.

"For 77 years of my life, from the DPC to the center, I have never won a position. If given a mandate, like a soldier, I am ready to go," said Mardiono after attending the PPP NTB Regional Working Meeting (Rakerwil) in Mataram, Saturday, November 16.

Mardiono revealed that leadership is a mandate. Although ready to carry out his duties, he emphasized that he would not hunt for the position. He gave an example, when elected as Chairman of the Banten PPP DPW, he did not run but received 98 percent of the votes through voting.

"If the sovereignty holder gives the mandate through the congress, I will do it bismillah," he added.

Responding to the issue of accelerating the PPP Congress, Mardiono explained that the implementation of the congress was determined by sovereignty holders, namely regions and branches. However, he stated that he supports the acceleration of the 10th Congress so that party consolidation is completed early, giving longer time to prepare for the 2029 General Election.

The chairman of the PPP DPP, Achmad Baidowi, previously said that the 10th Congress would be moved forward from its initial plan, namely December 2025, to ensure that parties are ready to face future political challenges. The exact schedule will be determined in the National Working Conference (Mukernas) which is scheduled for 10-15 December 2024.

Mardiono emphasized that PPP is the most democratic and independent party free from any intervention. He added that the congress not only focuses on the election of the general chairman but also builds a framework for the next five years in order to strengthen party consolidation.

"What's more important is to strengthen consolidation to face the challenges ahead," he concluded.

With a strategic agenda like this, PPP is committed to continuing to strengthen its position as a relevant party and ready to compete in the 2029 election.