Golkar Party Grateful for Setnov's Parole, Welcomed to Return to the Party

JAKARTA - Golkar Party Deputy Chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia expressed gratitude that former Golkar Chairman Setya Novanto (Setnov) has been granted parole and completed his sentence as a convict in the e-KTP (electronic ID card) corruption case at Sukamiskin Prison in Bandung, West Java.

"Moreover, yesterday's parole met several conditions, such as being deemed to have served two-thirds of his sentence, maintaining good behavior, participating in legal development programs, and so on," Doli said at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 19.

"So, procedurally and in accordance with the laws and regulations, everything meets the requirements. That's how our law applies, so we respect the government's decision regarding this," he continued.

Doli also stated that Setnov remains a Golkar Party member. Therefore, Doli said, Setnov will be placed in an appropriate position if he wishes to return to active party activity, as he currently remains a Golkar Party member.

"If anyone wants to be active in Golkar, we've never turned anyone away, especially cadres," said Doli.

"Nowadays, there are many young cadres and all sorts of things. Even if Mr. Novanto is willing to be active again, of course we'll place someone who fits his current position, in terms of experience, seniority, and so on," he continued.

However, according to Doli, the likelihood of Novanto joining the Central Executive Board (DPP), let alone the chairmanship, is slim. Setnov has already served as general chairman, making him more suitable for senior positions.

"In the DPP, Mr. Bahlil is now the chairman after Mr. Novanto. After Mr. Novanto, Mr. Airlangga has already served two terms. So that means there have been two terms, or perhaps a generation since Mr. Novanto's generation," he said.