Behind the PKK Celebration, Disappointment Brews in Samarinda

Within the organisational structure of the Family Welfare and Empowerment (PKK) movement, the relationship between the provincial and district/city levels is often likened to a bond between mother and child. As the ‘mother’, the Provincial PKK Driving Team holds a crucial role in assisting, guiding, and strengthening the ranks below it. However, the dynamics during the 54th PKK Unity Movement Day commemoration in Samarinda revealed a gap in this mentoring function. Disappointment that had been simmering came to the fore when the Chairwoman of the Samarinda City PKK Driving Team, Rinda Wahyuni, openly criticised the leadership of the East Kalimantan Provincial PKK Driving Team. The issue is not merely about physical presence at ceremonial events, but the very essence of the mentoring function that serves as a vital bridge between provincial policy and local implementation. The PKK Building in Samarinda City on Monday bore witness to an unusual expression of aspirations. In front of invited guests, Rinda Wahyuni highlighted the absence of the Chairwoman of the East Kalimantan PKK Driving Team, Syarifah Suraidah, from direct mentoring processes in Samarinda City during her leadership tenure. Rinda stressed that as a mentored area directly under the province’s auspices, Samarinda should receive intensive attention and assistance. She noted that the province is the ‘mother’, yet the governor’s wife had never once accompanied Samarinda City. The disappointment was felt more deeply as Samarinda City had been appointed as the host for the provincial-level PKK Unity Movement Day. As the organiser, the city had made every effort to follow all directions and schedules set by the province, but felt it received little appreciation in the form of presence and moral support from the highest PKK leadership at the provincial level. Structurally, the PKK operates on a tiered mentoring system. The central government mentors the provincial level, while the province is responsible for mentoring districts and cities. The criticism raised by Rinda Wahyuni touched on the fundamental aspects of the organisation. She emphasised that collaboration cannot be built if communication and mentoring are not two-way. The case in East Kalimantan serves as an important lesson for similar organisations across Indonesia. A harmonious relationship between the province and the regions requires more than just decrees or written instructions; it demands emotional presence and consistent technical guidance. The Samarinda PKK Driving Team stated that this critical stance was taken not to seek attention or special treatment, but as a form of respect for the region’s position as a mentored partner. Going forward, a comprehensive evaluation of communication patterns is expected so that the PKK’s grand vision of family welfare can be achieved evenly down to the neighbourhood unit level.