PDIP Prepares Regeneration Of Leadership To Welcome 58 Percent Young Voters

Secretary General of the PDI-P DPP Hasto Kristiyanto (center). BETWEEN/HO-PDIP

JAKARTA - Secretary General of the PDI-P DPP Hasto Kristiyanto stated that his party is adjusting its leadership structure to deal with the political dynamics of the future, one of the main factors is the demographic of young voters.

"In the future, 58 percent of the voters are young people. So the party must adjust and provide space for them," said Hasto as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, November 24.

This directive was conveyed by Hasto at the opening of the Regional Conference (Konferda) and the Simultaneous Conference of the PDI-P South Sulawesi in Makassar.

In response to the voter's demographics, Hasto announced instructions from the General Chairperson of the PDIP DPP Megawati Soekarnoputri regarding the structural transformation of the party.

"The instructions of the General Chairperson in the discussion of commission sessions can later be added to the Sub-Commission of Political and Cyber Communication. This member consists of young people who become representatives of the confeda who are under 40 years old," said Hasto.

He admitted that he personally often meets young people to dig up fresh ideas. "As a secretary general, almost every day I meet young people looking for their ideas because they are the ones who understand the times best," he said.

Not only in the political field, PDIP South Sulawesi also encourages the younger generation to take a major role in developing the regional economy.

Hasto gave an example of how local businesses can compete with global giants.

"Look at Coto Makassar, this can shake the global food network. Or Kopi Kenangan which is able to compete with the world coffee giant. Remember that Tana Toraja coffee is worldwide," he said.

In front of young cadres, Hasto emphasized that the economic power of the future is in their hands.

"The small one with the right strategy can shake the ground. This is an era where you can stand on your own feet," said Hasto.

Responding to the disappointment of the younger generation towards practical politics, PDIP carries ethical politics as an alternative to transactional politics.

Hasto also cited the values of Zohran Mamdani's struggle to win the election for the Mayor of New York, USA, even with limited funds.

"We do not demean money in democracy. What we need is moral power and alignment with the people," said Hasto.

Hasto implies that PDIP understands the young generation who are tired of money politics. PDIP offers a different path: value-based politics and integrity, corrections to capital hegemony, and eradication of money politics practices.

Chairman of the South Sulawesi PDIP DPD Andi Ridwan Wittiri emphasized the importance of internal solidity as capital in facing challenges.

"The PDI-P is an ideological party, a party that makes Pancasila the basis of ideology, the principle of struggle, and guidance in every step," said Wittiri.

He emphasized that the main goal of the conferde is to produce a solid leadership structure, a measurable party strategy, and a work program that touches the needs of the people.

"One thing that cannot be negotiated is solidity between party structures, party legislatures, and party executives. There should be no barriers, no sectoral egos, no interests should undermine it. We are a line of struggle with one determination, working for the people," he said.

The opening ceremony of the South Sulawesi PDI-P Conference was attended by a number of party central leaders, namely Komaruddin Watubun (Chairman for Party Honors), Abdullah Azwar Anas (Chairman for Public Policy and Bureaucratic Reform Kerakyatan), and Yuke Yurike (Deputy General Treasurer).

In addition, the PDI-P management from all regions in South Sulawesi was present, led by the Chairman of the PDIP DPD Andi Ridwan Wittiri.