Dozens of PSI Officials in Semarang Resign as Central Java Regional Council Reiterates Party Discipline Under Chairman Kaesang

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG – The Chairman of the Regional Leadership Council (DPW) of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) for Central Java (Jateng), Antonius Yogo Prabowo, has commented on the resignation of dozens of core officials in several Branch Leadership Councils (DPC) of PSI in the city of Semarang. Although he regrets this move, Antonius affirms that all cadres must comply with the decisions of the PSI General Chairman, Kaesang Pangarep.

The resignation of dozens of officials in several DPC of PSI in the city of Semarang was triggered by the composition of the leadership in the Semarang City DPD PSI. They claim that the leadership structure of the DPD, which was ratified by the DPP, differs from what was agreed upon by all the DPCs in the city of Semarang.

In response, Antonius Yogo Prabowo said that in the process of formulating the leadership structure, his party always accommodates the voices or aspirations of all cadres, including those who are members of the DPC. However, the final decision remains the prerogative of the DPP.

“In the AD/ART (party constitution and bylaws), there is no provision, for example, like in other parties, where proposals from the DPC are then forwarded upwards. Aspirations will certainly be valuable input for us. But all decisions are made by the DPP, by Mas Ketum (Mr. General Chairman),” Antonius said when contacted by Republika on Monday (23/2/2026).

He explained that in October 2025, the DPP PSI issued a decree (SK) regarding the appointment of the leadership of the Semarang City DPD PSI for the 2025-2030 period. In that decree, Bangkit Mahanantiyo was appointed as chairman, while Melly Pangestu and Aisyah Firdausa were appointed as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

This leadership structure was rejected by dozens of DPC officials of PSI in the city of Semarang. They believe that the structure does not align with what was agreed upon by all DPC officials. They wanted Bayu Romawan to serve as secretary and Irwan Leokita as treasurer, while Bangkit Mahanantiyo would remain as chairman.

According to Antonius, the decision of the DPP PSI to appoint the leadership structure of the Semarang City DPD PSI for 2025-2030 was made after careful consideration and is considered the best choice. “This combination will be what will strengthen PSI Semarang,” he said.

Therefore, he believes that no party should impose its will. “One thing we remember from the national congress, is that everyone must be willing to be guided and organised. Let alone the DPD, today the DPW was removed and replaced by Mas Ketum, everyone must be ready,” said Antonius.

According to Antonius, the discrepancy between what the DPC cadres in the city of Semarang wanted and what was decided by the DPP PSI is the trigger or source of their disappointment. However, he reminded them that they have committed to being loyal to the General Chairman.

“Once again, it is necessary that everyone complies, follows, and is guided by Mas Ketum. Let alone the DPC, the DPD, the DPW, even the DPP must follow, because this is truly being organised with all the considerations of Mas Ketum to strengthen the party,” said Antonius.