IndonesianTalk.com — Burhanuddin Abdullah Elected Unopposed to Lead PWRI, Representing 3.6 Million Indonesian Retired Civil Servants
The 15th National Congress (Munas XV) of the Indonesian Retired Civil Servants Association (Persatuan Wredatama Republik Indonesia/PWRI) has unanimously elected Prof. Dr. Ir. Burhanuddin Abdullah as chairman for the 2026–2031 term, entrusting the former central bank governor with the leadership of an organization representing approximately 3.6 million retired Indonesian civil servants.
The decision was reached by acclamation during the closing plenary session at Hotel Sahid Jaya in Jakarta on Saturday.
More than 500 delegates, representing retired state civil servant organizations and PWRI chapters from 35 provinces, attended the congress.
The leadership transition was approved without a formal vote, as participants unanimously endorsed Burhanuddin’s candidacy.
The appointment was greeted with prolonged applause from delegates, reflecting broad confidence in his leadership.
For the organization, Burhanuddin’s election represents not only a change of leadership but also renewed expectations that the experience, integrity and professional networks of retired civil servants will continue to serve as strategic assets for Indonesia’s development.
Burhanuddin is one of Indonesia’s most prominent economists and public policy figures.
Born in Garut, West Java, he served as Governor of Bank Indonesia from 2003 to 2008 after a distinguished career as a researcher, economist and deputy governor of the central bank.
He also served as Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs on an acting basis and has held various strategic positions in national and international institutions.
He currently serves as President Commissioner of state electricity company PT PLN (Persero), President Director of PT Sinar Mas Multiartha Tbk, and founder of the Burhanuddin Abdullah Center (BA Center), an economic research institution focusing on strengthening Indonesia’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Among those congratulating Burhanuddin was Ismeth Wibowo, a member of the Council of Experts of the Majelis Musyawarah Sunda (MMS), who has worked closely with him within the Sundanese cultural organization.
“Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Ir. Burhanuddin Abdullah on being entrusted with the leadership of PWRI for the 2026–2031 period.”
“The progress of Indonesia’s bureaucracy today is inseparable from the decades of dedication shown by retired civil servants, who remain one of the nation’s most valuable assets,” Ismeth said.
Ismeth also described Burhanuddin as Pinisepuh Pamangku Sunda—a respected senior figure in the Sundanese community—whose intellectual capacity, national leadership and commitment to preserving Sundanese cultural values have earned him wide respect.
He expressed hope that Burhanuddin’s leadership would further strengthen PWRI’s role as a platform for retired civil servants to contribute their experience, wisdom and public service values to Indonesia’s national development.
The congress concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming the organization’s belief that public service does not end with retirement.
For millions of PWRI members, retirement is viewed not as the end of a career but as the beginning of a new chapter—one dedicated to sharing knowledge, mentoring younger generations and continuing to contribute to Indonesia’s progress.
