SERANG – Thunderous chants of “Iti, Continue!” filled the hall as the Democratic Party’s Banten Provincial Chapter officially opened its 5th Regional Congress (Musda V) in Serang on Friday. The five-yearly gathering showcased not only the party’s internal consolidation but also overwhelming support for incumbent chairwoman Iti Octavia Jayabaya to seek another term.
The event brought together an impressive lineup of political leaders, including Banten Governor Andra Soni, members of the Democratic Party’s provincial executive board, district and city chapter leaders from across Banten, and Democratic legislators serving in the Provincial Parliament as well as regency and municipal councils throughout the province.
Also attending were Lampung Democratic Party Chairman Edi Irawan Arief, popularly known as Bang Edi, members of Lampung’s provincial legislative faction, representatives from the party’s affiliated organizations, and members of the media.
The atmosphere reached its peak when hundreds of party members erupted into chants of “Iti, Continue!”as Iti Octavia Jayabaya officially declared her intention to run for another term as Chairwoman of the Democratic Party’s Banten Provincial Chapter for the 2026–2031 period.
“Today, I ask for your support as I once again seek your trust to serve as Chair of the Democratic Party in Banten for the 2026–2031 term. We still have unfinished work ahead of us. Together, we must strengthen our achievements, secure seats where we are already represented, win constituencies where we currently have none, and ensure that every regency and city in Banten earns a leadership position in its local legislative council,” Iti told hundreds of party members, friday (31/7/2026).
The former two-term Regent of Lebak said the party’s political roadmap is focused on expanding its representation ahead of future regional elections.
“Our objective is clear. We want Democratic Party representatives in every electoral district, maintain our existing legislative presence, reclaim seats in areas where we have yet to win, and secure leadership positions in legislative councils across all regencies and municipalities in Banten,” she said.
Beyond electoral ambitions, Iti emphasized the importance of political unity after competition ends, urging all political parties to work together for the benefit of the province.
“Former political rivals are now our partners. It is time for every political party in Banten to join hands in supporting pro-people development programs, including free education and equal infrastructure development, for the welfare of all Banten residents,” she said.
Governor Andra Soni praised the Democratic Party for its continued contribution as one of the key members of the Banten Maju Coalition, thanking the party for its commitment both during and after the 2024 regional elections.
“I sincerely thank the entire Democratic Party. As part of the Banten Maju Coalition, the party played a vital role in our 2024 election victory and has remained committed to supporting government programs from villages to cities. The Democratic Party’s 11 legislators in the Banten Provincial Parliament have made meaningful contributions to both provincial and national development initiatives,” Andra said.
The governor also acknowledged that many of his administration’s development strategies—particularly efforts to reduce the long-standing development gap between northern and southern Banten—were inspired by Iti’s experience leading Lebak Regency.
“Ms. Iti’s insights, shaped by her experience as Regent of Lebak, have greatly influenced our efforts to narrow the development disparity between North and South Banten. With the support of the Democratic Party’s legislative faction, our ‘Build Roads’ program has completed 61 village road projects, improving farmers’ incomes and stimulating local economic growth. Meanwhile, our Free School Program has entered its second year and now partners with more than 800 private schools across the province,” he said.
The opening of the Democratic Party’s 5th Regional Congress highlighted the party’s internal unity while reinforcing its strategic partnership with the Banten Provincial Government in pursuing equitable development, stronger public services, and transparent governance throughout the province.
