The Contestation Of The Origin Of Crowds In The Election Of Golkar Chairmen

Airlangga Hartarto in the Golkar Party National Conference (Mery Handayani / VOI)

JAKARTA - Ahead of the opening of the Golkar Party's X National Conference (Munas), the public was shocked by the resignation of Airlangga Hartarto's rival, Bambang Soestayo (Bamsoet) in his candidacy for chairman. Whereas from the beginning the Bamsoet and Airlangga camps attacked each other.

Political Communications Expert Lelly Arrianie said that it could be said that the progress of Bamsoet was only to enliven the nomination contestation for the general chairman of the party bearing the banyan symbol. Because there was a desire from below for Bamsoet to step forward as a candidate for chairman.

Meanwhile, Bamsoet's withdrawal from the candidacy was considered by Lelly as one of the steps to avoid a prolonged conflict.

"It is an open secret that he will get the position of head of the MPR. Airlangga will become chairman of Golkar. But there seems to be a ripple below that wants Bamsoet to step up as well. In fact, who can see (what). But if Bamsoet continues to advance, there will already be. That commitment. It will become a prolonged conflict, "said Lelly to VOI, in Jakarta, Tuesday, December 3.

In the same opinion, political observer from Al-Azhar University Ujang Komarudin said that Bamsoet's resignation was the best reason to secure him. Because in politics, if Bamsoet did not resign there could be a big risk. For example being removed from his current position.

"The resignation of Bamsoet could be due to pressure from the Airlangga camp and the government. Because after all there was an agreement that was signed by Bamsoet when Airlangga became chairman of the MPR. It was there that a dynamic process was taking place. This means that Airlangga wants to advance, Bamsoet first stopped with his post. which is being carried, "said Ujang.

As is known, there are nine names of candidates for the Golkar Chairperson, Ridwan Hisjam, Ali Yahya, Achamad Annama, Indra Bambang Utoyo, Agun Gunandjar Sudarso, Bambang Soesatyo, Derek Lopatty, Airlangga Hartarto and Aris Mandji.

After verification of the administrative requirements, only five prospective candidates passed as candidates for general chairman. They are Airlangga Hartarto, Bambang Soesatyo, Ridwan Hisjam, Ali Yahya, and Agum Gunandjar Sudarso.

Some time ago, Bamsoet stated that he had officially resigned from his candidacy as general chairman of Golkar for the 2019-2024 period. That way, there are only three potential challengers to Airlangga as defense.

"Yes, it's finished. Another candidate is only a display, only a sweetener for the current contest and that's what I convey. The game is considered finished (with the resignation of Bamsoet). There seems to be no further game. It is already known who the winner is," he said.

Currently, Ujang said, it is precisely what must be watched out for in order not to let Bamsoet appear by holding a counter-munas, such as during the candidacy of Agung Laksono and Abu Rizal Bakrie (ARB). If this happens, Golkar will split.

"It was also confirmed that Mr. Bamsoet should not make a counter-munas. Because that would split the party. But I have faith that Bamsoet will not dare to make a counter-munas. Because his opponent Airlangga has received support from the government. That means Bamsoet is not strong enough to make a rival munas. heavy, "he explained.

The news of Bamsoet's resignation was welcomed by Airlangga Hartato's supporters. Ace Hasan Syadzily said that with the resignation of Bamsoet in the candidacy for the general chairman, Airlangga will open the door to acclamation even wider.

"Most likely the direction is towards acclamation. The mechanism according to AD / ART still has to be passed. The trial process will still be carried out," said Ace.

Meanwhile, Bamsoet loyalist Darul Siska admitted that he was not clear on the reasons behind Bamsoet's resignation in his candidacy for Golkar chairman. He admitted that he was also surprised because many media crews asked for an explanation of the thorns.

"I'm looking for him again. Here I was asked by many journalists. I haven't even met him. I also have to ask Mr. Bambang please. I don't know the reason, I have to talk first why he resigned or was asked to resign or why his consideration," said Darul Siska.

Not yet received Bamsoet's resignation letter

Chairman of the Golkar Party National Conference Election Committee, Maman Abdurahman admitted that he has not received a resignation letter from the candidate for general chairman, Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet). His party has just learned about the news of Bamsoet's withdrawal from the mass media and has not received an official letter from Bamsoet.

"To this day we, from the election committee, have just read via the media, that Mr. Bamsoet, based on information from the media, has declared his resignation. To this day there has been no official statement or letter from him," said Maman at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta, Tuesday. , December 3.

Maman was unable to confirm whether Bamsoet would leave the arena for general chairman candidates because there was no letter given to him.

"To make sure someone resigns or not, the first in the forum will declare his resignation or prepare a resignation letter. That is our basis for whether Bamsoet is still a candidate or not," he said.

In fact, according to Maman, the chairman of the MPR has been declared a candidate for chairman of the Golkar Party. Together with the incumbent Airlangga Hartarto, Ridwan Hisjam, Ali Yahya and Agun Agun Gunandjar, the four of whom have been declared eligible.

Previously, Bambang Soesatyo stated that he voluntarily resigned from the candidacy exchange for the chairman of the Golkar party. Bambang stated that the reason for the cancellation of his candidacy was related to his desire to maintain the political stability of the Golkar party.

"In order to maintain the integrity and solidarity of the Golkar party, I declare that I will not continue my candidacy as a candidate for Golkar chairman," Bambang told reporters when he was met at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Tuesday, December 3.

Bambang's statement was issued shortly before the Golkar National Conference (Munas) was held at 19.00 WIB at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Kuningan.

At around 16:20 WIB, Bambang together with the incumbent Golkar chairman, Airlangga Hartarto, gave a statement to the media accompanied by Golkar officials such as the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and former Golkar chief Aburizal Bakrie (Ical).