PMKRI Commits to Strengthening Partnership with Central and Regional Governments

The Catholic Students’ Association of the Republic of Indonesia (PMKRI) has committed to strengthening partnerships with central and regional governments, state institutions, and social and community organisations. The commitment was expressed by Christian Alesandro Delviero Rettob, known as Delvis Rettob, after he was elected as the Mandate Holder of the Members’ Deliberative Assembly (MPA), Sole Formateur, and Chairman of the Central Presidium of PMKRI Sanctus Thomas Aquinas for the 2026–2028 period. “Repositioning and internal consolidation of PMKRI across the archipelago is important so that the organisation can respond to national issues, including development inequality and uneven policies,” Delvis said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday. Delvis was elected during the XXXIII MPA Session at PMKRI Ruteng, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Tuesday (28/7). Following his election, Delvis expressed gratitude to all branches that contributed to the success of the Congress and MPA. He noted that the entire process, although lengthy and dynamic, proceeded in a warm atmosphere and with a spirit of brotherhood. “The success of this Congress and MPA is the result of the hard work of all PMKRI branches across Indonesia. The process was indeed dynamic, but it took place in warmth and a spirit of brotherhood,” he said. Delvis also conveyed his appreciation to the NTT Provincial Government, the Manggarai Regency Government, senior members, and the local community for their warm welcome through local customs and culture. Amid the dynamics of the congress, he called on all cadres to uphold the organisation’s dignity and strengthen solidarity. He expressed hope that differences in political stance would not harm the organisation, urging all cadres to prioritise the spirit of brotherhood and turn differences into strengths to build PMKRI. Consequently, PMKRI is expected to become more critical, independent, solid, and relevant in serving the church, the nation, and the state. Meanwhile, Margareta Kartika, Chair of the Host Branch for the XXXIV Congress and XXXIII MPA, expressed hope that the new leadership would enable PMKRI to continue growing as a movement of cadres who are faithful, intellectual, and pro-people. She stated that PMKRI’s values must be realised through strengthened cadre development, inter-branch solidarity, and movements responsive to societal issues. “PMKRI must continue to strengthen brotherhood and solidarity, while presenting concrete, data-based cadre programmes and movements that side with small and vulnerable groups,” Kartika said. In the first round, nine candidates from various branches participated in the election, namely Popin from Surabaya, Bhre from Semarang, Jonas from Yogyakarta, Mone from Kupang, Delvis from Ambon, Ferdy from Bogor, Exen from Malang, Nardin from Ruteng, and Roland from Denpasar. Delvis secured the highest number of votes with 43, followed by Exen with 13 votes, Jonas with eight, Mone with eight, Roland with four, Bhre with three, Popin with two, Nardi with two, and Ferdi with one, along with three invalid votes. Two candidates, Delvis and Exen, advanced to the second round. However, before the second round of voting commenced, candidate Exen left the arena. In accordance with the rules of procedure and the session agenda, the MPA forum agreed to appoint Delvis as Chairman of the Central Presidium of PMKRI Sanctus Thomas Aquinas for the 2026-2028 period.