The INDONESIAN, (JAKARTA)— The Betawi Communication Forum (FORKABI) recently concluded its 6th General Assembly at the MADAS Nusantara Cultural Center in Depok on Sunday, 23 May 2026. However, the meeting has sparked protests and debate, leading to incidents that many believe could have been avoided.
“I was nominated; I did not nominate myself,” said Azran on Wednesday (27/05/2026). “I am not the type of person who chases power,” he asserted during a press gathering at his residence.
As a member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) representing Jakarta, Azran stated his full support for all Betawi cultural organizations in the interest of community advancement. “I fully support every Betawi organization—whether it is FORKABI or Betawi Rempug. I back them all, even financially from my own pocket,” he stressed.
Achmad Azran is known as a DPD member who is deeply committed to the people of Jakarta, regardless of whether they voted for him or not. He also pays close attention to Betawi artists and cultural practitioners, and is frequently seen engaging directly with residents to serve their needs and gather their aspirations.
Meanwhile, Tahyudin Aditya, Deputy Chairman of FORKABI, explained the background and reasons behind the recent General Assembly:
1. The leadership term of Haji Abdul Ghoni ended de facto on 1 February 2026, and de jure on 6 May 2026.
2. The Central Organizational Advisory Board (MPOP) formally requested the Executive Board led by Haji Abdul Ghoni to immediately hold the 6th General Assembly and reinstate the status of Regional Boards (DPDs) that had been frozen. The freeze order was issued after Haji Abdul Ghoni’s term had technically ended, but the MPOP’s request was ignored.
3. The MPOP invited the outgoing Executive Board and Regional Boards to discuss the ignored warnings. This process resulted in the formation of an Interim Steering Committee, chaired by Tahyudin Aditya.
4. The Committee then convened the 6th General Assembly on 23 May 2026, which elected Haji Achmad Azran as Chairman of FORKABI for the 2026–2031 term.
Amid the debate surrounding Azran’s election, Jalih Pitoeng, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Community Alliance Forum (FORMASI), voiced his support for the decision. “I respect and fully support whatever decisions were reached through consensus at the FORKABI General Assembly,” Pitoeng said on Wednesday (27/05/2026).
The founder of the Jalih Pitoeng Centre went further, noting that taking the role of FORKABI Chairman was actually a step down in status for Azran. “To be honest, in my view, Brother Azran becoming Chairman of FORKABI is actually a demotion in rank,” Pitoeng remarked light-heartedly.
“He is a close friend of mine in the Berkarya Party, led by Tommy Suharto. This means he has already been involved in national-level organizational management,” Pitoeng explained, highlighting Azran’s extensive experience.
He added that Azran, currently a representative in the national legislature, simply wants to develop his own community. “I firmly believe he accepted this position solely to reunite Betawi leaders and communities, who have appeared divided for some time,” Pitoeng said.
Regarding strong support from several Regional Boards for Azran, the anti-corruption activist described the process as proper, ideal, and constitutional. “This is an example of an ideal mechanism for choosing leaders—not one based on transactions or deals,” he remarked sharply.
“Because, with all due respect, we have often seen and heard people shouting ‘Vote for me!’ during campaigns, only to forget their supporters once elected,” Pitoeng asserted. “They even forget the key vision and mission they were entrusted to carry out,” he added. “Worse still, they use methods that are shameful, repulsive, and misleading,” he concluded.
According to him, this reflects a growing awareness among Betawi leaders, particularly within FORKABI’s regional leadership, and proves that the Betawi people are ready to rise and progress.
When asked about the existence of multiple Betawi organizations with similar names, Pitoeng—who closely monitors social, cultural, and political developments through his centre—said he does not oppose the right of people to form organizations.
“Honestly, I feel concerned and even embarrassed when friends from other regions ask why there are twin organizations in the Betawi homeland,” he admitted. “We fully understand and recognize that forming an organization is a constitutional right protected by law,” he noted.
“However, that is not the essence of establishing an organization. The real question is: how can the organization be functionally beneficial? It should not just be about being formed or about who gets to be the leader,” he explained.
“We must not let ourselves become divided over what I call ‘fighting over the horns,’ while the green grass is eaten by outsiders,” Pitoeng warned. “Because, fundamentally, what the people truly hope for is that these organizations bring real benefits and function effectively to advance and improve the welfare of the Betawi community,” he concluded.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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