Airlangga Hartarto Resigns: Shaking the Direction of Golkar and Indonesian Politics

Airlangga Hartarto resigned as Chairman of the Golkar Party. (Antara)

The surprising decision came from Airlangga Hartarto who suddenly resigned as General Chair of the Golkar Party. This move shook the party internally and brought major changes to the national political map ahead of the 2024 Election. Golkar, as one of the largest parties in Indonesia, has significant influence. Airlangga's resignation raised many questions and speculations, considering his achievements in bringing Golkar to become the number two party with an increase in votes. Golkar was also at the forefront of the coalition that won Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as president and vice president-elect.

As Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto plays an important role in President Joko Widodo's government. His decision to resign from his strategic position in Golkar may be an effort to maintain political stability ahead of the transition to a new government. Airlangga seems to want to avoid potential conflicts that could disrupt national political stability. By resigning, he is trying to maintain political calm amidst the major changes that are coming.

Attention is immediately focused on who will replace him as General Chair of the Golkar Party. The party, which came in second in the 2024 Election, needs a leader who can continue this momentum. Names such as Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) and Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita have emerged as strong candidates. Bamsoet, with his great influence within the party, is considered the right candidate to continue Golkar's leadership. Meanwhile, Agus Gumiwang, with his background as a minister and his loyalty to the party, is considered capable of maintaining the party's solidity ahead of the 2024 Election. In fact, there is speculation about the name of Investment Minister/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia as one of the candidates.

In addition to these names, speculation is growing about the possibility of Gibran Rakabuming Raka or even President Jokowi being proposed as Airlangga's replacement. Although it may only be whispers, this shows how dynamic the political situation in Golkar is. As a large party with a long history in Indonesia, Golkar needs a strong and visionary leader to face future challenges.

Airlangga's decision to step down will not only have an impact on Golkar's internal affairs but also on the national political map. PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto stated that this step could change the political map ahead of the 2024 Pilkada. With Golkar as a large party that has significant influence, this change in leadership opens up new opportunities for political negotiations, coalition formation, and new, more dynamic strategies.

There has been much speculation regarding the reasons for Airlangga Hartarto's resignation. One narrative that has developed is that he felt he was on the "wrong track" in the party's internal political dynamics. Although Agung Laksono, a member of the Golkar Expert Council, emphasized that there was no pressure from the party, this move may have been Airlangga's way of maintaining his personal honor and the stability of the party amidst political turmoil.

It should be noted that last year, the Attorney General's Office summoned Airlangga as a witness in a case of alleged corruption in crude palm oil (CPO) export permits. In addition, in 2021, he was involved in a controversy related to allegations of intimidation from a woman. Although there is insufficient evidence to link these issues to his decision to resign, they may be part of broader political speculation.

Airlangga Hartarto's resignation from the position of Golkar General Chairman brings about a significant change in the direction of Indonesian politics ahead of the 2024 Election. Golkar, which came in second in the election with an increase in votes, is now at a critical crossroads. Names such as Bambang Soesatyo, Agus Gumiwang or even Bahlil Lahadalia have emerged as potential replacements, while speculation about the involvement of Gibran and Jokowi has further strengthened the dynamics within the party. Politics are always dynamic and full of surprises, especially in Golkar, a large party that has not only produced brilliant cadres internally, but also has influence outside the party. Certainly the General Chairperson of the Golkar Party, whoever it is, will have high bargaining power in the new government.