JK Affirms Jokowi Does Not Meet The Requirements To Be The Chairman Of Golkar At This Year's National Conference

Jusuf Kalla with Anies Baswedan, Muhaimin Iskandar and Surya Paloh-PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - Senior Golkar Party politician, Jusuf Kalla (JK), responded to the news circulating that President Joko Widodo would become a candidate for General Chair of Golkar. According to JK, Jokowi could not meet the requirements to become the Head of Golkar as stipulated in this year's National Conference (Munas).

"It has been denied by several parties and does not meet the requirements," said JK at his residence, Jalan Brawijaya Raya, Wednesday, March 20.

The 10th and 12th Vice Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia also emphasized that the next candidates for the general chairman of the Golkar Party who will be determined in the National Conference must also meet the requirements contained in the party's AD/ART.

"There are candidates, as long as the candidate meets the requirements, he is a Golkar cadre, because he has managed five years, one period. That's actually the only way. It's easy," said JK.

JK also emphasized that the Golkar Party's National Conference which will be held this year cannot be accelerated. This is in response to the issue of the possibility of the Golkar National Conference being held earlier than the schedule.

"No, they are. They have been decided with all DPDs, not other people. DPD rapim (leader meeting) in Bali, decided that. In terms of parties, that's the way it is, fulfilling the basic budget," he said.

Previously, Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party, Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) revealed that his party plans to hold a National Conference this year to elect the new chairman.

"It has become a decision this year that we will announce it," said Bamsoet at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Friday, March 8.

Bamsoet said there were 4 names who would fight in the party's highest forum bearing the banyan tree, including himself. Meanwhile, the other three names are the incumbent general chairman Airlangga Hartarto, the Minister of Investment/BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia, and the Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.

"Yes, there are at least 4 votes that appear on the surface that will fight in this year's National Conference forum. There is Mr. Airlangga, then there is Mr. Agus Gumiwang, then there is Mr. Bahlil, and there is me," said Bamsoet.

When asked about the news that President Joko Widodo would join Golkar and become a Ketum, Bamsoet invited to ask directly to Jokowi. He emphasized that his party is an open party.

"If Golkar is open. Like the position of our general chairman, then we as an open party accept anyone," he concluded.