Jusuf Kalla Re-elected as Chairman of PMI 2024-2029, Check Out His Profile

Kapanlagi.com - Jusuf Kalla made history again by being elected as the General Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) for the 2024-2029 term during the 22nd National Conference (Munas) held festively in Jakarta.

This election took place by acclamation, where nearly all of the 490 participants of the Munas agreed to entrust the leadership to Kalla for the next five years. However, behind this historic moment, a shocking controversy arose, namely the claim of a rival management led by Agung Laksono.

Agung Laksono, who previously served as the Chairman of the Indonesian Blood Donor Committee (KDDI), did not remain silent. He declared his readiness to compete and claimed to have been elected as the General Chairman of PMI in a rival Munas held at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta. This situation created a duality of leadership that triggered tensions within PMI, even culminating in a police report by Jusuf Kalla's camp.

Responding to this heated situation, Jusuf Kalla emphasized the importance of ethics and adherence to the organization's articles of association and bylaws. He reminded that PMI must remain united and not divided, and asserted that any actions violating organizational rules could be considered legal violations. Firmly, Kalla invited all parties to maintain the integrity and unity of PMI for the greater humanitarian interest.

1. Great in the Family of Entrepreneurs

Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, commonly known as JK, was born on May 15, 1942, in Wattampone, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, as the second child of 17 siblings in the family of Haji Kalla and Athirah.

His father was a successful entrepreneur who founded Kalla Group in Makassar. After completing his education at the Faculty of Economics at Hasanuddin University, JK continued his studies at The European Institute of Business Administration in France.

His career began in politics as a member of the South Sulawesi Regional People's Representative Council from 1967 to 1968, before advancing further as CEO of PT Hadji Kalla, the family company that spans various sectors such as transportation and construction.

JK has made a significant mark in Indonesian politics, serving as a member of the MPR from the Golkar faction, Minister of Industry and Trade under President Abdurrahman Wahid, and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare during the era of Megawati Soekarnoputri.

The peak of his career was as Vice President of Indonesia twice, accompanying Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, making him one of the important figures in the history of domestic politics.

2. Jusuf Kalla's Political Career: Served as Vice President Twice

After completing higher education, Jusuf Kalla stepped into the political arena by starting his career as a member of the South Sulawesi Regional People's Representative Council from 1967 to 1968.

In the same year, he was entrusted to lead the family company, PT Hadji Kalla, which then rapidly grew under his leadership.

JK's political career shone even brighter when he was elected as a member of the MPR from the Golkar faction from 1982 to 1999, before being appointed by President Abdurrahman Wahid as Minister of Industry and Trade, although his term lasted only until 2000.

However, shortly after that, he was again trusted by President Megawati Soekarnoputri as Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare until 2004.

The pinnacle of his career was achieved when he accompanied Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the 6th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, and he made history again by serving as Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia for the second time under the leadership of Joko Widodo.

3. Role in the Indonesian Red Cross

Since 2009, Jusuf Kalla has been a central figure in the leadership of the Indonesian Red Cross, driving various crucial humanitarian programs, ranging from disaster response to blood donation services.

With extraordinary support, he was elected acclamation as the Chairman of PMI, meeting the requirements set forth in the PMI Articles of Association by obtaining more than 50% of the votes from the present delegates.

Now, that trust has been given back to him to lead PMI for the 2024-2029 period, reaffirming his commitment to this noble mission.

4. Controversy over the Election of the PMI Chairman 2024

The election of the Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) for the 2024-2029 period has become a hot debate, as Agung Laksono emerged with claims of a rival management that he asserted was elected through a National Conference (Munas) that he considered legitimate, but was strongly rejected by Jusuf Kalla's camp, which deemed the move illegal.

This tension has created a dualism in leadership that has sparked internal conflict within PMI, even leading to Agung Laksono being reported to the police, adding drama to the journey of this humanitarian organization.

5. Jusuf Kalla's Response to Leadership Dualism

In response to the division in leadership, Jusuf Kalla emphasized how crucial ethics and adherence to the organization's articles of association and bylaws are.

"That action is illegal and constitutes betrayal. We must resist because it can endanger humanity. We have reported it to the police; this clearly violates the law. Only a handful of people are involved, and we have already dismissed them for violating the articles of association and bylaws," JK firmly stated to reporters on Monday (12/9/2024).

He stressed that the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) must remain united and not divided, and reminded that any violation of the organization's rules can be considered an unlawful act.

6. What is Jusuf Kalla's contribution to the Indonesian Red Cross?

Since 2009, Jusuf Kalla has been committed to strengthening the disaster response system, enhancing blood donation services, and strengthening the emergency response of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), making him an indispensable figure in humanitarian efforts in the homeland.

7. What is the reason Jusuf Kalla was re-elected as the Chairman of PMI?

Jusuf Kalla was officially elected as the Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), after successfully garnering support that met all the criteria set forth in the PMI Statutes.

8. What is the history of Jusuf Kalla leading PMI?

Since taking on the role of leader of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in 2009, Jusuf Kalla has been an architect of significant change, bringing a sense of modernization and efficiency to every aspect of the organization's services.

9. Why is there a dualism in leadership within PMI?

Dualism in the management emerged after Agung Laksono claimed the results of a rival National Congress that was deemed illegal by Jusuf Kalla's faction.

10. What is the impact of leadership conflict in PMI?

A divided leadership can pose a serious threat to the stability of the organization, while also undermining public trust in the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

(kpl/rmt)