Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – The election of the South Sumatra chapter of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) Chairman was marked by protests in front of Hotel Beston, Jalan Sudirman, Palembang, on Saturday (28/12). Protesters voiced allegations of irregularities during the election process.
The demonstration, which included the burning of tires, was led by Action Coordinator (Korak) Aridiwal, who claimed there were indications of maladministration and legal violations in the preparations for the election of the new chairman.
“We suspect irregularities occurred from the very beginning of the preparations. An educator should teach integrity, and integrity must be upheld by all educators,” Aridiwal said during the protest.
The protesters also accused collusion between the outgoing leadership and the newly elected one. They demanded that the National Board of PGRI (PB PGRI) annul the decision letter (SK) regarding the election results. The group even attempted to force their way into the hotel after their request to meet with the Chairman of PB PGRI was denied.
“We demand the annulment of the leadership decision. If elected through administrative flaws, it must be corrected,” Aridiwal insisted.
PGRI Representative’s Response
In response, Marulam Simbolon, a representative of the South Sumatra PGRI Legal Aid and Consultation Body (LKPH), denied the allegations and emphasized that the process had adhered to all administrative procedures.
“All mechanisms have been fulfilled. This is evidenced by the participation of representatives from 17 regencies/cities in South Sumatra at the conference to elect the chairman,” Marulam explained.
Marulam also dismissed the accusations of collusion, stating, “The delegates from these regions had the right to nominate and vote for their chairman. Everything was conducted according to the rules.”
Despite these assurances, the protests reflected underlying tensions within Indonesia’s largest teachers’ organization. At the time of reporting, PB PGRI has yet to release an official statement regarding the protesters’ demand to annul the election results.