The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) marked its 53rd anniversary while opening the National Work Meeting I for 2026 in Jakarta. The event featured Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri's speech on politics as service, the launch of a new mascot named Barata, and Ganjar Pranowo's affirmation of support for direct regional elections. Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto casually responded to PSI's ambitions in Central Java.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) held its 53rd anniversary celebration and the opening of the National Work Meeting (Rakernas) I for 2026 from January 10-12 at Beach City International Stadium (BCIS) in Ancol, North Jakarta. The event, themed "Satyam Eva Jayate" with the subtitle "Here I Stand, Forever," emphasized the party's ideological values.
In her political speech on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri stressed that politics must serve as a tool for devotion to the people, not a means to chase positions or popularity. "A true fighter does not seek popularity, but responsibility; does not seek praise, but service," Megawati stated. She added, "History will not ask how many positions you have held. History will ask, on whose side did you stand when truth was tested." Megawati highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation and siding with the people to uphold democracy and Pancasila values.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the new mascot named Barata, announced by M. Prananda Prabowo, Megawati's son and Head of PDIP's DPP for Creative and Digital Economy. The bull mascot wears a red hoodie with the PDIP logo, black pants, and white shoes with red stripes. "Barata the bull symbolizes the people's strength rooted in unity, moving with awareness, and acting for justice and national sovereignty," Prananda said. The name Barata was selected through a public contest from October to December 2025, with the top five winners receiving special certificates.
DPP Chairman Ganjar Pranowo reaffirmed PDIP's unchanged stance in supporting direct regional head elections. "So the stance of PDI Perjuangan is very clear. We support direct regional head elections," he emphasized, referencing post-Reformasi history and Constitutional Court rulings.
Meanwhile, Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto responded casually to PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep's statement targeting Central Java as an 'elephant pen' for the 2029 elections. PSI secured 12 seats in Central Java in the 2024 elections. "The election is still long. The people decide, the people who hold sovereignty," Hasto said on January 11, 2026. He added that PDIP's current focus is internal party improvements and maximum aid for post-disaster recovery in Sumatra, regardless of recipients' political choices.
The event also spotlighted PDIP's commitment to self-criticism, ideological strengthening, and humanitarian actions.
