SERANG – The Banten Provincial Executive Board (DPD) of the Democratic Party officially opened its 5th Regional Congress (Musda V), a five-yearly gathering widely seen as a pivotal moment to strengthen the party’s internal consolidation ahead of the next electoral cycle.
During the event, Iti Octavia Jayabaya, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party’s Banten chapter, formally declared her intention to seek another term at the helm of the party for the 2026–2031 period.
In her accountability speech, Iti expressed heartfelt appreciation to party officials at every level—from the national leadership down to regional branches for their dedication and commitment.
Reflecting on the fiercely contested 2024 General Election, she acknowledged that the political landscape had become increasingly competitive. Nevertheless, she credited the party’s grassroots machinery and loyal cadres for helping the Democrats increase their representation in the Banten Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) from nine to eleven seats.
“Today, I respectfully ask for your support as I once again put myself forward to serve as Chair of the Banten Democratic Party. Together, let us strengthen our electoral gains, defend the seats we have earned, and secure representation in constituencies where we have yet to win,” Iti told hundreds of delegates, who responded with prolonged applause, friday (31/7/2026).
Looking ahead to the next five years, the former Regent of Lebak laid out an ambitious political roadmap. Beyond expanding the party’s presence in every electoral district, she said the Democrats aim to secure leadership positions in legislative councils across all regencies and municipalities throughout Banten Province.
She also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to supporting the people-oriented programs of the Banten Provincial Government under Governor Andra Soni, highlighting initiatives such as road infrastructure development and free education.
“Our goal is to ensure that every electoral district is represented. We intend to maintain our current seats in the Provincial DPRD, win the constituencies where we remain absent, and ultimately secure leadership positions in every regency and city legislative council across Banten,” she said.
Support for Iti’s leadership also came from the party’s national headquarters.
Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) addressed delegates via video conference, praising the unwavering loyalty shown by party members in Banten over the years. He recalled one of the party’s most difficult chapters, when cadres from the province stood firmly behind the national leadership during an internal political dispute.
“We endured the extraordinary congress challenge, and we stood united. I still remember—and I will never forget—that it was Banten that sent its finest sons and daughters to Jakarta to defend the dignity and sovereignty of our national headquarters,” AHY said.
As the Democratic Party prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, AHY expressed confidence that the Banten chapter is well-positioned to emerge even stronger heading into the 2029 General Election.
He concluded his remarks by urging party members to remain close to the people and consistently champion the party’s three core priorities: strengthening the economy, upholding justice through the rule of law, and safeguarding Indonesia’s democracy.
“Economic progress, justice, and democracy are the pillars of our political mission. I ask all of you to carry this message forward and demonstrate it through real work and tangible contributions to society,” AHY said.
The fifth Regional Congress was attended by a number of prominent political leaders and government officials, underscoring the significance of the event.
Among those present were Banten Governor Andra Soni, Serang Deputy Regent Najib Hamas, and Pandeglang Deputy Regent Iing Supriadi, alongside representatives of allied political parties as well as officials from the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu)of Banten.
The national leadership of the Democratic Party was also well represented, including Osi Dermawan, Head of the Party Organization, Membership and Cadre Development Agency (BPOKK) and Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN); Deputy Secretaries General Ingrid Kansil and Umar Arsal; Deputy Treasurer Edwin Tanjung; BPOKK Secretary Yastiwa; Java Region I Deputy Gana Febrana; House of Representatives member Zulfikar Hamonangan; and senior party figure Andi Arief.
The congress was coordinated by Eko Susilo, Secretary of the Banten Democratic Party; Treasurer Heni Sulastri ; Organizing Committee Chairman Syahril Fauzi; chairpersons of Democratic Party branches from all eight regencies and municipalities in Banten; provincial and local legislators; as well as leaders of the party’s affiliated organizations from across the province.
