Behind the Spotlight, This is How JKT48 Organizes Member Regeneration

Kapanlagi.com - Since Saturday (27/7/2025), JKT48 has once again become the focus of public attention and a trending topic on social media X (formerly Twitter). The heated discussions began from the controversy that occurred during one of their concerts.

However, behind the hustle and bustle, there is another side worth discussing, which is the regeneration process within the idol group JKT48. In the fast-changing entertainment world, regeneration is not just a necessity but a mechanism that revives the spirit and brings new enthusiasm to this group.

As a sister group of AKB48 in Japan, JKT48 adopts the 'idols you can meet' system that allows fans to follow the career development of the members from start to finish. Therefore, regeneration or member turnover is an essential part of maintaining the group's dynamics.

1. Divided into Three

JKT48 divides its members into two main categories: trainees and core team. Trainees are new members who are still undergoing training and have not yet fully performed in regular shows, while the core team consists of members who have been promoted and have a regular performance quota in the theater or main projects of JKT48.

In the context of regeneration, the process of members leaving and entering is divided into three main categories: graduation, resignation, and expulsion. The term graduation is used when a member decides to leave the group officially and honorably.

2. Ended with Last Show

JKT48 © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

This process usually starts with an official announcement made by the member on stage or social media, followed by a transition period, and ends with the Last Show, a special farewell performance in the theater. In addition, there is also a tradition called kabesha, which involves taking down the member's photo from the theater wall, and the last opportunity to write farewell messages to fans.

An example of a graduation that is most remembered is Melody Laksani's graduation. The former center and first-generation member officially graduated in 2018. Interestingly, she then served as the General Manager of JKT48.

3. Resigning for Urgent Reasons

JKT48 © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

Unlike graduation, resigning usually occurs for urgent reasons, such as health issues, education, or other career decisions that cannot be postponed. In this case, a member leaves the group immediately without a last show, but is still given space to write a farewell message through official social media.

An example that has occurred is when Citra Ayu resigned in 2018 due to health reasons. The announcement was made via the official JKT48 page without any special ceremony.

4. Dismissed for Violations

JKT48 © KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

Meanwhile, the category that is most highlighted by the public is being dismissed, or in unofficial terms, being fired. This occurs when a member commits a serious violation of JKT48's internal rules.

This happens when a member commits a serious violation of JKT48's internal rules. For example, being found in a romantic relationship, committing ethical violations, or being absent without permission for an extended period.

One of the most well-known cases is the dismissal of Jeane Victoria in 2024. JKT48 management officially terminated Jeane Victoria. The dismissal was triggered by the circulation of intimate photos of the idol with a man on social media. Before being fired, Jeane was called in for clarification, but discrepancies in facts were found.

5. Must Queue

Interestingly, although graduation is considered the ideal solution, not all members can immediately apply for graduation whenever they want. The management of JKT48 implements a queue system to organize the graduation schedule to prevent too many farewells from happening at the same time.

This is done to maintain team stability and give fans time to prepare emotionally. An example is Shani Indira Natio, who despite announcing her graduation since early 2023, could only hold her Last Show a few months later because she was waiting for her turn.

With a system that is continually updated and managed with discipline, JKT48 shows that regeneration is not the end, but a new beginning for each of its members. In the harsh and competitive idol world, this process is a necessity that allows new faces to emerge and bring new hope for the future of JKT48.

(kpl/tdr)