East Java HIPMI Chairman Denies Majority of Regional Boards Reject Lampung National Congress
The dynamics surrounding the XVIII National Congress (Munas) of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) are intensifying, with several candidates propagating narratives that lack accountability.
Three out of four candidates for the General Chairperson position have rejected the decision to hold the XVIII National Congress in Lampung, citing concerns regarding neutrality and adherence to organisational rules in the site selection process. Furthermore, rumours have circulated suggesting that more than 50% of the Chairmen of the Regional Boards (BPD) of HIPMI oppose Lampung as the host location.
“That is untrue and misleading,” stated Ahmad Salim Assegaf, Chairman of the East Java HIPMI Regional Board, in a statement on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
Ahmad explained that the 2026 HIPMI Plenary Council Meeting (SDP), held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Makassar on Sunday, 15 February 2026, fully delegated the decision regarding the location of the XVIII National Congress to the General Chairperson of the Central Executive Board (BPP) of HIPMI, Akbar Himawan Buchari.
“At that time, those of us attending the SDP agreed that the determination of the Congress location was delegated to the General Chairperson of BPP HIPMI, Akbar Himawan Buchari. Subsequently, the Organising Committee (OC) and Steering Committee (SC) agreed that the Congress would take place in Lampung,” Ahmad said.
He further noted that this decision remained unchanged even a day before the debate, during a meeting of Regional Board Chairmen held in Bali on Friday, 22 May 2026. “In reality, during the Forum of Regional Board Chairmen, the majority agreed and delegated the host selection to Chairman Akbar. The claim regarding ‘50 plus 1’ is incorrect, as I was present at that forum,” Ahmad added.
The stages of the XVIII HIPMI National Congress have now reached the second Candidate Debate in Bali on Saturday, 23 May 2026. While the proceedings initially ran smoothly, the event was marked by tension from supporters. The situation peaked during the open debate session between the candidates, when Candidate Number 1 Reynaldo Bryan, Candidate Number 3 Afifuddin Kalla, and Candidate Number 4 Anthony Leong performed a walkout. They refused to continue the debate, claiming to represent the aspirations of Regional Boards that do not wish for the XVIII National Congress to be held in Lampung. Consequently, the event concluded prematurely.