Airlangga Hartarto Resigns from Golkar Chair, Observer: There is a Clash of Forces within the Party

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Airlangga Hartarto announced his resignation as Chair of the Golkar Party. In a video statement delivered by Airlangga, the decision to resign has been made since Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Political observer from the Institute for Democracy and Strategic Affairs, Ahmad Khoirul Umam, believes that Airlangga's stepping down as party leader cannot be separated from the strong clash between forces within Golkar. According to him, the major factions within Golkar have been clashing since the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.

One form of clash was seen when Golkar tried to tinker with the presidential election coalition. At that time Golkar had almost approached the PDIP. "The power factions within Golkar have various economic-political interest agendas," he said in a written statement, Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Based on his observations, he said there were groups within Golkar that tried to defend the party's political sovereignty from external intervention. On the other hand, there are also groups that try to symbiotize with external forces close to power.

He highlighted the questioning of Airlangga Hartarto by law enforcement agencies in the cooking oil case. A number of circles, he said, believed that the maneuver of the Golkar chairperson was not considered strong with an interest agenda.

Airlangga Hartarto's step back as party leader, according to him, was influenced by the figure of 'The Invisible Hand'. "It seems to be moving again because Airlangga's steps and decisions in a number of regional elections are considered less assertive and create uncertainty," said Ahmad.

In his speech, Airlangga said the resignation process and the mechanism afterwards would be carried out peacefully, orderly, and uphold Golkar's honor. He also expressed his gratitude to the management and cadres who have worked together and helped raise the Golkar Party.

"In particular, I would like to thank President Joko Widodo and Vice President Kiai Haji Maruf Amin," he said.

Airlangga also thanked the president and vice president-elect, Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka. As well as to seniors in Golkar, Jusuf Kalla, Aburizal Bakrie, Luhut Panjaitan, Akbar Tandjung, Agung Laksono, and Muhammad Hatta.

"I would like to express my gratitude for the cooperation, support and guidance given to us," he said.

NOVALI PANJI NUGROHO

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