JABARTODAY.COM-JAKARTA. The National Awakening Party (PKN) is making arrangements for an Extraordinary National Congress (Munaslub) to formally elect Anas Urbaningrum as the chairman for the 2023-2028 term. Anas will be elected unanimously by all party members with voting rights, replacing Gede Pasek Suardika, according to PKN Secretary-General Sri Mulyono. The Munaslub is scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 16, 2023, at the Grand Sahid Hotel in Jakarta.
During the congress, Anas Urbaningrum will be officially designated as the PKN chairman, while Gede Pasek Suardika will assume the position of Chairman of the PKN’s Supreme Assembly. Sri Mulyono explained that both individuals will play a pivotal role in formulating the party’s strategies and programs, collectively shaping its policies.
In addition to the leadership transition, a significant event is planned for Saturday, July 15, at the National Monument (Monas), where Anas will deliver a speech. This occasion is closely related to the Hambalang case that implicated Anas in the past.
“At 9 am on Saturday morning, we will hold an event at Monas. The reason for choosing Monas is that Mr. Anas was accused and implicated in the Hambalang case. He has publicly stated that he never accepted any corrupt funds from Hambalang and even offered to be hanged at Monas,” stated Mirwan Amir, PKN Treasurer-General.
During the event, the court’s decision declaring Anas innocent in the Hambalang case will be announced. Gerry Hakubun, PKN Deputy Chairman, stressed that Anas Urbaningrum has consistently maintained his innocence and never accepted any wrongdoing related to the Hambalang case. It is hoped that the declaration at Monas will shed light on the true facts surrounding the case.
The Hambalang case dates back to March 9, 2012, when Anas, then Chairman of the Democratic Party, denied allegations of corruption involving the Hambalang sports project in Bogor. Despite his claims of innocence, Anas was initially sentenced to 8 years in prison, a sentence later reduced to 14 years by the Supreme Court (MA). Anas was finally released from Sukamiskin Prison on April 11, 2023.
Following his release, Anas paid a visit to his mother’s house in Blitar, East Java, where he expressed his gratitude and respect towards his mother, Sriati.
When questioned about his previous statement regarding being hanged at Monas if found guilty, Anas responded with conviction, stating that he remains confident in his innocence. He emphasized that his belief in his innocence will remain unwavering in this world and the hereafter. (ruz)
