Bans Regional Heads From Participating In Magelang, Golkar Reminds PDIP About Soekarno's View

Deputy Chairperson Of The Golkar Party, Idrus Marham/DOK VOI

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party, Idrus Marham, respects the decision of PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri to prohibit regional heads from participating in retret activities at the Magelang Military Academy, Central Java. However, Golkar emphasized that regional heads should prioritize the interests of the people over party instructions.

Idrus then reminded PDIP about the views of the proclaimer and father of Megawati Soekarnoputri, Soekarno. He said that the first President of the Republic of Indonesia had asked to prioritize the interests of the state rather than parties.

"On August 17, 1957, what did he say? 'Let us not be a narrow party, but let us be a broad nationalism', that's what Bung Karno said," said Idrus at a press conference in Jakarta, Friday, February 21.

"The interests of the state are prioritized over the interests of the party. This is Bung Karno's speech on August 17, 1957," he continued.

Moreover, according to Idrus, in essence, party cadres elected as regional heads have donated themselves to the people. So that the regional head should be more afraid and loyal to the people.

"When cadres are nominated as governor candidates, deputy governors, regents or deputy regents of the Mayor or deputy regents of the Mayor are nominated and elected by the people, in essence, after being elected, the cadres concerned are 'already donated to the people, donated to the nation. Therefore, actually loyalty to the party will end," said Idrus.

Idrus emphasized that Golkar cadres will still take part in the retret in Magelang which will take place on February 21-28, 2025, including cadres who won the election through a coalition with PDIP. According to Idrus, the retret of regional heads is an important program to foster the professionalism of officials. Thus, the retret of regional heads organized by the central government is important to follow. "The Golkar Party requires its cadres who have become governors or deputys, regents or deputys, mayors or representatives, it is mandatory to participate in retret events. It is a process to improve his professionalism in carrying out leadership," said Idrus.