April 15, 2026 | 06:32 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Members of the NasDem Party in North Sumatra gathered at the party's regional office in Medan on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, to voice their aspirations regarding the content and cover of this week's Tempo Magazine. The Chairperson of NasDem's North Sumatra regional office, Iskandar ST, claimed that the number of members who arrived that day exceeded one thousand. "Food was even bought three times," Iskandar said.
Iskandar stated that the protests actually began after Tempo's podcast "Bocor Alus Politik" discussed Tempo's weekly edition titled "PT NasDem Indonesia Raya Tbk", or "Political Merger" in its English version. He claimed that many members felt offended because they believed the dignity and honor of NasDem Chair Surya Paloh were being undermined.
In addition to the article’s content, the Indonesian magazine cover, which appeared to depict Surya Paloh in a helpless state, further angered members. "In fact, our chairperson is always happy, cheerful, and has no problems. Moreover, last Saturday and Sunday, he was still on vacation on an island," he said with a laugh.
He also denied the claims in the Tempo article suggesting that the NasDem Party was up for sale. "We know that NasDem is not for sale. NasDem is Surya’s spirit; his big dreams and aspirations are in this party," Iskandar said.
According to the senior journalist, if Surya Paloh wanted to make money, tens of trillions could be obtained through political dowries during regional head elections. He dismissed the report that NasDem was being offered for Rp1 trillion. "We could clear that amount from a single regional election alone if we wanted to do that," he said.
Iskandar also touched upon the issue of party mergers as reported by Tempo. He argued it is impossible for Surya Paloh to offer the NasDem Party for acquisition, let alone for it to be taken over, as the parties are not equivalent. "The NasDem Party was founded with honor," he said.
According to Iskandar, the NasDem Party affirms its support for President Prabowo and the government. Regarding Surya Paloh, he refused to place his members in the government as a form of respect. "He is aware that he did not support the winning pair during the Presidential Election," he said.
Read: Hundreds of NasDem Party Members Stage Protest at Tempo Office
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