Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Authority Questioned in West Java Branch Leadership Dispute

The authority of the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Bakrie, is being questioned in a dispute hearing over the management of the West Java Chamber of Commerce. Nizar Sungkar's lawyer argued that the power of attorney was not in accordance with the organization's rules, as it was issued in the name of the chairman of the general assembly, not the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors. This assertion was made during a trial at the Bandung District Court on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Nizar is the Chairman of the West Java Chamber of Commerce, elected through the Provincial Consultative Meeting (Muprov) in Bandung. His lawyer, Jhon Sitepu, emphasized that organizational regulations stipulate that a power of attorney should be issued in the name of the Kadin Indonesia Board of Directors. Sitepu suggested that this procedural error could impact the validity of the defendant's legal representative, who has been participating in the trial. However, the final assessment on the validity of the power of attorney rests with the panel of judges. Nizar's party submitted 17 pieces of evidence, including organizational regulations, Kadin's basic and household budgets, and various documents related to the management dispute. The panel of judges examined these submissions, and the defendant was given the opportunity to present rebuttal evidence. The dispute also encompasses the legality of the West Java Kadin Muprov held in Bandung. Kadin Indonesia had previously raised concerns about the permission to hold the forum and the status of Agung Suryamal as an interim or caretaker leader. Agung's lawyer stated that his client had not received a revocation letter as a caretaker until July 23, 2026. Based on this, Agung proceeded with the Muprov in Bandung, which subsequently elected Nizar as chairman. According to Agung's lawyer, the Muprov was conducted under a letter from Kadin Indonesia assigning Agung to organize the forum, with Zoelkifli M. Adam, appointed by Kadin Indonesia, also involved in the committee. The Bandung Muprov took place at the Grand Preanger Hotel on September 24, 2025. On the same day, another Muprov was held in Bogor, electing Almer Faiq Rusydi as the Chairman of the West Java Chamber of Commerce. Kadin Indonesia later confirmed Almer's appointment. Nizar challenged this decision, asserting that the results of the Bandung Muprov adhered to organizational rules. Nizar is not only seeking the cancellation of Almer's confirmation but also claiming material and immaterial damages, with the latter amounting to IDR 20 billion. Furthermore, the Garut and Indramayu Regency Chambers of Commerce have sued the South Jakarta District Court over the results of the Bogor Muprov, citing alleged violations of the basic and household budgets.