Djan Faridz Named as PPP Chairman in Jakarta Congress

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The United Development Party (PPP) under Suryadharma Ali, named politician Djan Faridz as new chairman for the 2014-2019 period in the Eighth PPP Congress held here on early November 2, 2014.

Ahmad Gozali who headed the meeting said Faridz was the only candidate and named as new chairman of PPP.

Earlier during the Congress held from Oct. 30 to Nov 2, 2014, several candidates such as Ahmad Yani, Ahmad Muqowan and Dimyati Natakusumah were mentioned to contest in the chairman election.

On the last day of the congress, Gozali, however, suddenly said that Djan Faridz was the sole candidate.

The Jakarta Congress was organized by the PPP leadership under its former chairman Suryadharma Ali.  

The leadership of PPP has been split with old general chairman Suryadarma Ali dismissed earlier in a meeting  of the party's rival leaders.

Suryadharma Ali, however, did not recognize the decision to dismiss him saying only a Muktamar has the authority to dismiss the general chairman of the party leader.

Last October 15-17, 2014, PPP secretary-general Muhammad Romahurmuziy, rival of Ali, was named the party's new chairman in a congress held in Surabaya, East Java.

The government has given its recognition to the Central Executive Board (DPP) of the PPP formed in the Surabaya congress under Muhammad Romahurmuziy.

New Justice and Human Rights Minister Yasona Laoly gave a recognition to the PPP chairman elected in the Surabaya congress, Romahurmuziy said.

"With the ministerial decision, there is only one central executive board (DPP) of PPP under Romahurmuziy and Aunur Rofik as the secretary general," Romahurmuziy said.

Suryadharma Ali, however, called the Surabaya Muktamar illegal.

The PPP under Ali has supported the Red and White Coalition (KMP) headed by former presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, while PPP under Romahurmuziy has joined the Great Indonesia Coalition (KIH) that supports current President Jokowi. (WDY)