Emil Dardak Becomes Sole Candidate for East Java Democratic Party Chairman Until 2031
The seventh Regional Conference (Musda) of the East Java Democratic Party (DPD Partai Demokrat Jatim) has officially designated Emil Elestianto Dardak as the sole candidate for chairman of the East Java Democratic Party for the 2026-2031 period. All voting rights holders unanimously agreed to propose Emil’s name by acclamation to the party’s central board (DPP).
Secretary General of the Democratic Party’s central board, Herman Khaeron, stated that all voting elements, namely the 38 district and city branches (DPC), the East Java provincial board (DPD), and the central board (DPP), unanimously supported Emil. “So it is valid, this acclamation for Mr Emil Dardak to return to lead the East Java Democratic Party for the 2026-2031 period. I propose this to the central board, and the formateur team will work,” Herman said at the Novotel Surabaya on Saturday (29/8).
Meanwhile, Emil Dardak expressed his commitment to restoring the glory of the Democratic Party in East Java together with all cadres. “There are various agendas related to the work programme. Today the results of the regional conference have been sent directly to the central board. In essence, we want loyal and enthusiastic cadres, so we do not want to differentiate too much between generations,” Emil said.
He is targeting every electoral district (dapil) in East Java to be able to secure at least one legislative representative, from the district/city level (DPRD kabupaten/kota), provincial level (DPRD provinsi), to the national level (DPR RI). “We certainly target every corner of East Java to be represented by the Democratic Party in Senayan. So we just need to calculate how many electoral districts there are in East Java, we will work hard, we will ensure that the public today does not just want to see promises,” Emil explained.
“So in terms of capacity, for example, where there is no national representative yet but there is already a Provincial Council there, then the Provincial Council must become a form of proof. Proven from the mandate currently held, how the public can get to know the Democratic Party. But we are committed to one thing, that we strive while maintaining togetherness with all elements of the party’s colours in East Java and Indonesia,” he added.
The regional conference held at the Novotel Samator Surabaya was also attended by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa. In her remarks, Khofifah conveyed her blessings so that Emil can continue his leadership in East Java in the future.
Khofifah recalled the seven-year journey of her leadership together with Emil in East Java. “This is already the seventh year. I can feel how the atmosphere of coolness with full productivity can be built together. I think the nuance of the Democratic Party in many lines is a productive party but built with full coolness,” Khofifah said.
She also affirmed that the Democratic Party consistently accompanied her in two East Java gubernatorial elections that brought her to serve as Governor since 2019. “This extraordinary democratic process, at the same time I am part of receiving support from the Democratic Party. Twice we went through the process, myself and Mr Emil, and to everyone, we went through the process without a dowry. So, we are grateful for the support from the Democratic Party,” she said.
“We received support in terms of strengthening the political and cultural bases of the Democratic Party in East Java, which was given to us in the process of fighting as Governor and Deputy Governor of East Java,” she added.
At the end of her remarks, Khofifah prayed that Emil would one day become the number one leader in East Java. “Today we together strengthen and deliver Mr Emil Elestianto Dardak in due course from the 7th regional conference, seven is pitulungan, God sends help to become the number one commander in East Java Province,” she said.
Similar support also came from the caretaker of Amanatul Ummah Pacet Islamic Boarding School, KH Asep Saifuddin Chalim, who was also present at the event. “I have no doubt in praying for and I will be at the forefront of supporting Mr Emil to become Governor of East Java, succeeding Mrs Khofifah,” said Kiai Asep.