SERANG – Iti Octavia Jayabaya officially submitted her candidacy application to run for Chairwoman of the Banten Regional Executive Board (DPD) of the Democratic Party on Wednesday evening, just hours before the registration deadline set by the organising committee.
Speaking to reporters at the Democratic Party’s Banten office on Wednesday (29 July 2026), Iti said the timing of her submission was not part of any political strategy or an attempt to create a last-minute spectacle. She explained that she had been occupied with official duties at the ministry, which prevented her from returning the application any earlier.
“I didn’t intentionally wait until the final hours to submit my application. I was still carrying out my responsibilities at the ministry today, so this evening was the first opportunity I had to come here and complete the registration process,” she said.
The former two-term Regent of Lebak stressed that submitting her paperwork near the closing deadline should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment. Instead, she said it reflected nothing more than scheduling constraints, while her determination to once again lead the Banten Democratic Party remains unwavering.
According to Iti, her decision to seek another term stems from her desire to continue strengthening the Democratic Party’s presence and political role across Banten. She said she had shared her intention with the heads of the party’s district branches (DPCs) throughout the province and received their support, along with the endorsement of the Democratic Party’s Central Executive Board (DPP).
“My goal is simply to continue the work we’ve started together because there is still so much we want to achieve for the party. I’m grateful that this intention has been welcomed by our district leaders and has also received the blessing of the party’s national leadership,” she said.
Iti also revealed that she had held extensive discussions with senior officials of the Democratic Party’s Central Executive Board, including representatives of the Organisation, Cadre Development and Membership Agency (BPOKK), the Secretary-General, the Election Winning Agency (Bappilu), and the party’s chairman, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.
During those meetings, she presented her strategic vision and policy priorities for the next five years should she be entrusted once again with leading the party’s Banten chapter.
“I have presented a range of strategic ideas and development plans to the party leadership, from BPOKK and the Secretary-General to Bappilu and the Chairman. They outline the direction I want to take for the Democratic Party in Banten if I am given the opportunity to serve another term,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Syahril Fausi, Chairman of the Organising Committee (OC) for the Fifth Banten Regional Conference (Musda V), said that by the close of registration on Wednesday night, Iti Octavia Jayabaya was the only individual to have officially registered as a candidate for the party’s provincial chairmanship.
In addition to OC Chairman Syahril Fausi, members of the Steering Committee (SC) were also present, including Fachrudin, Heri Handoko, Heni Sulastri, Yefry Rinaldi, and Ridwan Batara.
“Since registration opened on 24 July until the deadline this evening, Mrs Iti Octavia Jayabaya has been the only person to collect and return the candidacy application form. No other candidates have registered before the closing of nominations,” Syahril said.
He added that the organising committee is now finalising preparations for the Fifth Banten Regional Conference of the Democratic Party, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, 31 July 2026, following Friday prayers.
