The recent Muktamar (national congress) of the Indonesian National Awakening Party (PKB) has been overshadowed by internal strife, with a faction of the party planning a counter-Muktamar.
Cak Imin Reelected, Opposition Emerges
The sixth PKB Muktamar concluded in Nusa Dua, Bali, on August 25th, 2024, with Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) securing another term as party chairman and Maruf Amin assuming the role of Chairman of the Shura Council.
However, a dissenting group within the PKB has announced plans for a counter-Muktamar in Jakarta from September 2nd to 3rd. This group intends to overturn the results of the Bali Muktamar, citing legal irregularities and the alleged marginalization of the party’s traditional clerical leadership.
Contested Legitimacy
The opposing faction argues that the Bali Muktamar was held prematurely, contradicting a decision made at the PKB National Working Meeting (Mukernas) in July 2024, which had scheduled the Muktamar for after the 2024 regional elections. They also claim that the 2019 Muktamar weakened the role of the Shura Council, effectively giving Cak Imin unchecked control over the party.
Cak Imin Rejects Claims, Threatens Legal Action
Cak Imin has dismissed the counter-Muktamar as baseless and insists it has no legal standing. He has refused to engage with the dissenting faction, stating that no specific countermeasures are necessary. PKB elites, including Syaiful Huda, have condemned the counter-Muktamar as illegal and called for law enforcement action against its organizers.
A Deepening Internal Divide
The PKB’s internal conflict is not simply a matter of procedural disagreements. It reflects a deeper division within the party over its direction and leadership. The dissenting faction’s concerns over the diminished influence of clerical leaders and the concentration of power in Cak Imin’s hands expose a growing tension between traditional values and modern political maneuvering within the PKB.
Implications for the Party and Beyond
The outcome of this internal struggle will have significant implications for the PKB. If the counter-Muktamar succeeds in invalidating the Bali Muktamar, it could trigger a power shift within the party and potentially impact its political alliances. Moreover, the PKB’s internal conflict serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by political parties in Indonesia as they navigate evolving political dynamics and internal pressures.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial for the PKB as it faces the challenge of resolving its internal conflict. The outcome will determine the party’s future trajectory and its influence in the Indonesian political landscape.
