There Is Jokowi In The Competition For Golkar Seats 1

Golkar Chairman Airlangga Hartarto during Golkar's 55th birthday (Instagram @PartaiGolkar)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo's praise for Airlangga Hartarto is seen by many as a form of support for continuing his leadership in the Golkar Party. In addition, Airlangga was also considered by Jokowi as 'top' because he was in the position of Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

"Yes, indeed top, he is the coordinating minister. Coordinating minister for the economy, you know, a very strategic position because whatever current world economic shocks are, it is not easy to overcome," said Jokowi while attending the Golkar Party's 55th anniversary celebration, on Wednesday, November 6 .

On that occasion, Presidential Spokesperson Fadjroel Rachman also denied that there was any particular intention behind Jokowi's praise for Airlangga. According to him, the president's expressions of praise are still at a neutral level, because they refer to Golkar's internal affairs.

Jokowi's praise for Airlangga received various responses. Political observer Ujang Komaruddin sees Jokowi's praise as a blessing to continue his leadership at Golkar 1.

"But behind it, it seems that Jokowi supports Airlangga. If Airlangga wins again. That means Jokowi supports Airlangga," said Ujang, when contacted by VOI, in Jakarta, Monday, November 11.

However, there are hidden things that should be suspected between Jokowi and Airlangga. Himself interpret this, with the intention of the political interests of each other.

"Jokowi feels helped by Airlngga because Golkar is in Jokowi's hands and coalition," he said.

Ujang also saw the emotional closeness between Jokowi and Airlangga. This can be seen with other candidates for chairman of the Golkar Party, namely Bambang Soesatyo, who is currently the chairman of the MPR.

"But Jokowi is often with Airlangga. Because Airlangga is his subordinate in the cabinet. Maybe Jokowi is already comfortable with Airlangga," he said.

On the other hand, support for Bambang Soesatyo to become the chairman of Golkar continues to flow. Golkar Party Election Head, Nusron Wahid, said that Bamsoet is predicted to return to the fore in the general chairman election market.

This means that Bamsoet and Airlangga will compete for Golkar's chair at the national meeting in December.