Not Caring For Survey Results, Golkar Stillgotot Capreskan Airlangga In Accordance With The National Conference Decision

Ganjar Pranowo and Airlangga Hartarto. (doc econ.go.id)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Golkar DPD, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, emphasized that his party is still consistent in carrying out the General Chair, Airlangga Hartarto as the 2024 presidential candidate.

This was conveyed in response to the results of the Charta Politica Indonesia survey which stated that Golkar voters were dominant in supporting Ganjar Pranowo as president in the 2024 presidential election.

According to him, the results of the survey will not be a reference for changing the decision of the 2019 Golkar National Conference (Munas) and the 2021 Golkar National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas).

"Golkar remains consistent with the decision of the National Conference and National Rapimnas, nominating Pak Airlangga Hartarto as a presidential candidate," said Melki to reporters, Thursday, December 29. The member of the DPR said that the Golkar Party is also working hard to convert Airlangga's performance as Coordinating Minister for the Economy, which is considered successful in restoring the post-pandemic economy. The conversion, continued Melki, was carried out with an approach and out of socialization to the public.

"Explain to the wider public with various patterns and various strategies, so that the wider public understands Pak Airlangga Hartarto's work and role, who is struggling to help President Jokowi and the community to solve economic problems," he explained. "Also other tasks such as overcoming COVID-19 entrusted by Pak Jokowi to Pak Airlangga Hartarto," continued Melki.

Therefore, Melki emphasized, the Golkar Party still insists on nominating Airlangga as a presidential candidate in 2024. Meanwhile, the KIB presidential candidate will be decided in 2023.

Previously, the founder of the KedaiKOPI survey institute, Hendri Satrio, assessed that the survey results could not be a determinant in the PDIP's nomination of Ganjar Pranowo. Likewise, the attitude of Golkar and PPP will not be much different.

"Not necessarily (directly choosing Ganjar). So far, Mrs. Mega, if she supports the candidate, is never based on the survey results, but based on the wishes or ideological assessment," said Hendri in Jakarta, Wednesday, December 28.

Hendri then highlighted the Golkar Party, which has nominated its chairman, Airlangga Hartarto in the 2024 General Election. As the General Chairman, Hendri assessed that Airlangga could make a decision regarding the position of presidential candidate in Golkar.

"Golkar wants Ketum to come forward Airlangga Hartarto. Because he is the chairman, he can decide. Will he be given to Ganjar Pranowo? Yes, I don't know," said the political observer from Paramadina University.

According to him, so far the Golkar Party has been solid in supporting Airlangga Hartarto as a presidential candidate. On the other hand, if the party bearing the banyan symbol nominates Ganjar, it will face PDIP

"(Golkar) is solid. So, it is unlikely that Golkar will nominate Ganjar. And, when Golkar becomes proposed to Ganjar in the 2024 presidential election, it will face PDIP," he said.