TGB Zainul Majdi Bids Farewell to Perindo
In a surprising move, prominent Indonesian figure Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) Zainul Majdi has officially severed ties with Partai Perindo. This decision, which marks his fourth political party journey, comes via a resignation letter dated October 30th, 2024, addressed directly to Hary Tanoesoedibjo, Chairman of the Perindo’s Council of Representatives.
His formal letter, expressing gratitude for the shared experiences within Perindo, was personally delivered to Ferry Kurnia, the Acting Secretary General of the DPP Perindo. TGB, who previously held the significant position of National Chair of the DPP Perindo, confirmed his departure from the party.
This political shift comes at an important juncture, just months ahead of the upcoming Pilkada Serentak 2024 (simultaneous regional elections) in Indonesia.
TGB’s history in Indonesian politics is undeniably rich. His journey began with the Partai Bulan Bintang (PBB), where he served as a member of the People’s Consultative Assembly (DPR) from 2004 to 2009. Later, becoming the youngest governor in Indonesia at the age of 36, he served as the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) from 2008 to 2018, initially under the banner of PBB and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). During his tenure as governor, he aligned himself with the Partai Demokrat, ascending to key positions within the party, including Chair of the NTB DPD and a member of the Democratic Party’s High Council.
In 2018, he branched out to the Golkar Party, assuming the roles of Coordinator for Islamic Affairs and Deputy Chairperson of the Election Victory Body for the Legislative and Presidential Elections. Four years later, TGB joined Partai Perindo, holding the esteemed position of National Chair of the DPP.
While TGB’s departure from Perindo may be viewed by some as a surprise, it is significant to note the upcoming elections in NTB. His sister, Sitti Rohmi Djalilah, is currently vying for the governorship, running alongside Musyafirin (Rohmi-Firin). This ticket is being backed by a coalition of PKB, PDIP, Perindo, and Partai Ummat.
DPP Perindo has reaffirmed their unwavering support for Sitti Rohmi Djalilah, stating that the decision to withdraw from the party did not diminish TGB’s bond with Perindo, and expressing their continued respect for his contribution and commitment.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rina Sari, a well-known political analyst specializing in Indonesian politics. We’re diving into a significant recent development: TGB Zainul Majdi’s departure from Partai Perindo. Dr. Sari, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sari: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing political shift.
Editor: To start, can you shed some light on the implications of TGB’s resignation from Perindo? What does this mean for him and for the party?
Dr. Sari: Absolutely. TGB’s departure marks a pivotal moment not just for him, but also for Partai Perindo. His resignation just a few months before the Pilkada Serentak 2024 suggests that he may be positioning himself for another political alignment. TGB is a significant figure with a strong following, and losing him could weaken Perindo’s standing as they head into the regional elections.
Editor: Interesting. TGB has a history of shifting parties. What do you think motivates these transitions in his political career?
Dr. Sari: That’s a complex question. TGB has demonstrated a desire to adapt to the changing political landscape in Indonesia. Each party he has been a part of offers different platforms and opportunities. His latest move could indicate a pursuit of a more aligned political home or perhaps a strategy to enhance his influence ahead of the elections.
Editor: You mentioned the upcoming Pilkada Serentak 2024. How might TGB’s decision impact the campaign strategies of other parties?
Dr. Sari: His resignation could prompt other parties to reevaluate their strategies, especially since TGB has a significant base of support. Parties may seek to leverage his departure to attract disillusioned voters from Perindo or to rally behind their own candidates who can fill the gap left by his exit. Additionally, we might see new alliances forming as TGB searches for a new platform.
Editor: TGB expressed gratitude in his resignation letter, which seems noteworthy. How do you interpret this tone?
Dr. Sari: The gratitude he expressed indicates a respectful departure, which can be strategic. It allows him to maintain good relationships with former associates, which is essential in politics. This gesture also positions him as a reasonable and diplomatic figure, potentially keeping the door open for future collaboration or support from Perindo’s ranks.
Editor: Lastly, what are your predictions for TGB moving forward? Could we see him aligning with another party soon?
Dr. Sari: It’s highly plausible. Given his political history, I wouldn’t be surprised if he quickly aligns with another party that shares his vision and goals, especially in light of the upcoming elections. TGB’s decisions will likely be calculated, aiming to maximize his political capital and reduce the potential fallout from this resignation. All eyes will be on him in the coming months!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sari, for your insights. It’s certainly an exciting time in Indonesian politics, and TGB’s next moves will be crucial to watch.
Dr. Sari: My pleasure! I look forward to seeing how this all unfolds.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay with Time.news for all the latest updates on this story and other significant political developments!
