Labour Party Secretary-General and 1.3 Million Members Resign Amid Internal Strife
The Secretary General of the Labour Party, Ferri Nuzarli, officially announced his resignation on Friday (26/6), alongside 1.3 million members and officials of the Organisasi Rakyat Indonesia (ORI).
They have collectively declared their withdrawal from the Labour Party due to differing views regarding the party’s political direction. “This decision was not easy. However, after various considerations and evaluations, we observed that there are increasingly fundamental differences in views, attitudes, and the direction of our struggle,” Ferri stated during a press conference on Friday (26/6), as reported on Sunday (28/6).
He explained that ORI is the political wing of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), led by Andi Gani. Ferri noted that ORI, founded in 2013, was one of the 11 initiating organisations for the establishment of the Labour Party during the first Congress in October 2021.
Similar to himself, approximately 1.3 million ORI members across Indonesia began resigning from the Labour Party starting last Friday (26/6). He has instructed all ORI officials holding structural positions within the Labour Party—ranging from central, provincial, and regency/city levels to sub-district levels—to immediately submit their resignations administratively.
Ferri stated that the officials following this move are spread across various regions, including North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, Riau Islands, South Sumatra, Lampung, West Sumatra, DKI Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Central Java, DI Yogyakarta, East Java, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Maluku, North Maluku, and Papua.
He likened the relationship between ORI and the Labour Party to a marriage facing prolonged issues, where various attempts at familial resolution have failed to yield results. Nevertheless, Ferri emphasised that the resignation is being conducted amicably and that they will maintain fraternal ties with the Labour Party.
“We have actually tried to resolve these internal issues through familial means for a long as time, but the problems continued to mount until, based on evaluations and feedback from all regions, we decided it had come to an end,” he said.
Responding to the move, the President of the Labour Party, Said Iqbal, was brief, stating that the resignation of members from a political party is a common occurrence and will not affect the solidarity of the Labour Party.
“Regarding my friend’s claim, I have no comment, especially regarding the 1.3 million members,” Said told CNNIndonesia.com on Saturday (27/6) night.
At the same time, he stated that his party will proceed with the inauguration of central plenary officials as well as officials in 38 provinces and 493 regencies/cities on Monday (29/6). Furthermore, Said ensured that the Secretary General position vacated by Ferri would be filled by an internal party cadre.
“It will be from within the Labour Party (the Secretary General position),” he added.
According to the official Labour Party website, the party was rebuilt by founders from four of the largest trade union confederations, 50 national-level trade union federations, forums for teachers and honorary staff, as well as organisations for farmers and fishermen. During the 2024 General Election, the Labour Party made its debut as an election participant; however, they failed to secure seats in the DPR (House of Representatives).