Denying Jokowi And Gibran Entering Golkar, Bahlil: I Just Know The Issues From Media Friends

Golkar Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia at the Golkar Party DPP office, Jakarta, Thursday (7/11/2024) announced the complete composition of the Golkar Party DPP board for the 2024 '2029 Period. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Golkar Party Bahlil Lahadalia dismissed speculation that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President (Vice President) Gibran Rakabuming Raka joined as cadres or administrators of the Golkar Party. Previously, there was speculation that Jokowi would serve as chairman of the Golkar supervisory board for the period 2024-2029.

However, when Bahlil announced the ranks of the Golkar management on Thursday night, neither Jokowi nor Gibran's names were on the list. The position of chairman of the Golkar supervisory board for the 2024-2029 period was actually filled by Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.

"I just heard about this issue from media friends. The news about the 7th President Jokowi and Vice President Gibran joining Golkar had appeared before the National Conference (Munas) yesterday," said Bahlil at the Jakarta DPP Office.

"We in the Golkar Party really appreciate all national figures, including the best sons and daughters from all over Indonesia. However, to this day, we make sure that the names (former) of President Jokowi and Vice President Gibran are not listed in the management structure, either as honorary councils, supervisory boards, or other positions," said Bahlil.

Bahlil added that Golkar is open to anyone who wants to join, including national figures, as long as it has a commitment to contribute to the people, nation and state. According to him, Golkar is an inclusive party and is ready to accept various groups without distinguishing the background.

"Golkar always respects the aspirations of the people and national figures, such as Jokowi. Golkar is also open if he or anyone who meets the requirements wants to join. We are an inclusive party that does not differentiate ethnicity, religion, or regional origin," Bahlil explained.

Speculation about the possibility of Jokowi joining Golkar emerged after Jokowi uploaded a video on his Instagram account @jokowi. Jokowi showed his plan to visit Jakarta to visit his grandson.

In the video, Jokowi mentions that he will leave with his wife, Iriana, using a Garuda Indonesia plane. Jokowi's visit to Jakarta was carried out after two weeks in his hometown in Solo.