Ahmad Ali on PSI Semarang Leadership Exodus: Ripples of Central Java Invasion
JAKARTA — Ahmad Ali, daily chairperson of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), has stated that reports of the resignation of PSI Semarang branch leadership have been exaggerated by certain parties.
Ali suspects this development is a consequence of PSI’s attempt to seize Central Java as its new stronghold. “Indeed it becomes something, because when PSI tries to invade Central Java as a new stronghold, certainly any internal ripples will be sensationalised. But for the central board, it is not something concerning. Because as a new party, this will inevitably occur,” Ali said in Cipete, South Jakarta, on Friday evening (27 February 2026).
He emphasised that organising within PSI is a new experience, and that party members still need to develop their understanding of organisational procedures. “Especially since PSI is one of the parties that has chosen not to conduct direct elections for regional and provincial leadership, but instead relies on appointment through strict selection,” he explained.
“In that regard, certainly all authority lies at the central board level, whilst listening to the aspirations or proposals from regional and provincial boards. The incident that occurred in Semarang recently is merely an internal matter. In reality, when there is maturity in how the party operates, this need not happen,” Ali added.
As a result, rejections and mobilisation for the return of PSI assets took place. “Clearly this does not make the organisation healthy. A party must not be subject to individuals or cadres. A party must not be subject to any single person. Therefore we have maintained this position and listened to aspirations, and this turbulence only occurred among certain individuals who happened to be trusted as heads of the branch,” Ali stated.
Ali claimed the Semarang issue has been resolved. Several of the officials who resigned have since returned to PSI Semarang. “And it has been resolved internally. Several of them have already returned, after receiving explanation and understanding all of this. And this turbulence will, God willing, no longer be an issue,” he added.
Dozens of leadership members from 13 branch boards of the Indonesian Solidarity Party in Semarang city had simultaneously resigned from their positions on Sunday evening (22 February 2026). Several branches also returned assets, including signage, to the PSI Regional Board office in Semarang as a form of protest, expressing disappointment that their aspirations were not being heard.