TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Golkar politician Erwin Aksa was officially dismissed from his party position for backing Prabowo Subianto - Sandiaga Uno in 2019 presidential election.

“The central executive board (DPP) of Golkar has decided to discharge Erwin Aksa from his position as the party’s head of Cooperation and SMEs Unit,” said Golkar DPP chairman Ace Hasan Syadzily Tuesday, March 19, at his office, West Jakarta.

Ace explained that the dismissal was based on the party regulation. “All members of Golkar must abide by the mandate of the extraordinary congress; supporting Jokowi - Ma'ruf.”

The nephew of Vice President Jusuf Kalla publicly declared his support for the candidate number 02 by presenting himself among the supporters of Prabowo - Sandiaga during the third presidential candidate on Sunday, March 17.

Erwin claimed that he was ready to face any sanction imposed by Golkar following his act. “I respect any decision made by the party. [But] I support my friend, Sandiaga. If the party sees that I commit a violation, I’m ready to face any sanction,” said Erwin on Monday, March 18.

Erwin Aksa is the son of Aksa Mahmud, an entrepreneur from South Sulawesi who is also the brother-in-law of Jusuf Kalla. Aksa Mahmud declared to support Jokowi in the upcoming election.

DEWI NURITA