Thekabarnews.com – In a major internal development, the secretary-general of Indonesia’s Labor Party (Partai Buruh), Ferri Nuzarli, announced his resignation along with 1.3 million members of Organisasi Rakyat Indonesia (ORI). The move was over fundamental differences regarding the direction and political strategy of the party.

In a statement, Ferri said he resigned Friday, June 26, following a lengthy period of reflection and internal review.

The decision was not taken lightly. Instead, it was the result of increasing fundamental differences over the party’s vision, political stance, and future direction. Ferri said this at a press conference.

“It was a very difficult decision, but after extensive deliberation and evaluation, we found that our differences in opinion, attitude, and political direction had become increasingly fundamental,” Ferri said, as quoted by Antara.

The resignation also includes ORI as a member. Ferri said ORI is the political wing of the All-Indonesia Workers Union Confederation (KSPSI), led by Andi Gani Nena Wea.

ORI was formed in 2013 and was one of the 11 founding organizations. These groups began the process of forming the labor party at its first national congress in October 2021.

Ferri said that ORI’s approximately 1.3 million members in Indonesia have mutually agreed to terminate their affiliation with the Labor Party. This change will take effect on Friday.

“Today, with full awareness and responsibility, ORI, with approximately 1.3 million members, has decided to withdraw from the Labor Party,” he said.

The announcement is one of the most significant organizational changes in the Labor Party since it began. This decision is important given the position of ORI as one of the founding organizations of the party. Moreover, ORI has a large nationwide membership.

Ferri cited different political directions as the major cause for the resignation. However, he did not provide details about the specific policy issues or strategic differences that led to the move.

Several labor unions and community organizations helped reform the labor party ahead of Indonesia’s 2024 general election. It called itself a political platform for workers’ rights, social justice, job protection, and economic equality.

The exit of a founding organization with a large membership base may impact the party’s organizational structure. It may also affect future political consolidation.

But over the longer term, analysts say the impact will depend on how the Labor Party and ORI define their respective political strategies after the split.

Neither the Labor Party leadership nor other senior officials responded immediately in detail to Ferri’s resignation or ORI’s withdrawal.

The development comes as Indonesian political parties are still preparing organizational strategies for the upcoming electoral cycles. Internal coherence and grassroots support will remain key factors in maintaining political clout.

The decision brings to an end the formal political association between ORI and the Labor Party. This follows several years of cooperation.

Meanwhile, Ferri stressed that the choice was a matter of principle, reached after long reflection. It was not a squabble between organizations that happened overnight.

The resignation points to the fluidity of the Indonesian political landscape as political parties and mass organizations forge new alliances. They also reassess their priorities, organizational goals and long-term political direction.