Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is reported to be facing internal problems. The issues stem from an Extraordinary National Conference that appointed Anindya Bakrie as the new chairman, ousting Arsjad Rasjid, who held the position from 2021 to 2026.
Anindya Bakrie’s maneuvers have angered Arsjad Rasjid, who has spoken out against the situation. The former head of the successful campaign for presidential candidates Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD asserted that the Extraordinary Conference that elevated Anindya Bakrie as Kadin’s chairman is illegal and invalid.
Arsjad described the sudden activity involving only a few individuals as illegal due to its noncompliance with the organization’s statutes. “The activities of the Extraordinary Conference under the name of Kadin Indonesia on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at St Regis are invalid,” Arsjad stated at the JS Luwansa Hotel in Jakarta on Sunday (09/15).
Arsjad Rasjid is not alone in defending his rights as the official leader of Kadin Indonesia. He is backed by 21 Regional Management Councils (DPD) of Kadin who reject Anindya’s coup attempt through the illegal Extraordinary Conference.
President Jokowi has urged Kadin to resolve its problems internally in response to this issue. The President made this statement during a press briefing following the inauguration of the Indonesia Islamic Financial Center and the FIBA Indonesia office at Menara Danareksa, Jakarta, on Tuesday morning (09/17). “This is not a political organization; it is a business organization. Hence, I ask that this be resolved amicably within Kadin. Don’t pass the hot potato to me,” Jokowi said.
Furthermore, during his ten years in office, Jokowi acknowledged having good relationships with Kadin’s leaders and his predecessors. He added, “Throughout my ten years in office, I have been close to Kadin. I have attended Kadin events numerous times. I had a good relationship with Suryo Bambang, Rosan Roeslani, Arsjad, Anin—with all of them.”
Jokowi stated that he is open to meeting with Kadin stakeholders who wish to discuss matters. However, he reiterated that the issues within Kadin should be resolved internally. “Anyone who wants to meet with me, I am open to it, no problem. But again, please resolve Kadin’s issues internally, and don’t pass the hot potato to the President. That’s all I ask,” Jokowi concluded.
