Idrus, Airlangga Strongest Candidates for Golkar Chairman Post  

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Names have been bandied about as the replacement of Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto, who is now detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Setya is a suspect in the electronic ID cards (e-KTP) graft case. Two of the most popular would-be candidates are Golkar Party acting chair Idrus Marham and Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto. “The two names are getting stronger,” party official Nusron Wahid said.

Nusron said that Golkar central and regional executive boards are hoping to hold an extraordinary national meeting (Munaslub).

Read also: Golkar Members Insist on Maintaining Setya Novanto as Chairman

He went on to say that the party will still hold the meeting even if Setya won his pretrial suit. In that case, Setya will preside over the meeting. Conversely, if he lost it, Golkar central executive board will lead the preparation of the meeting. “The Munaslub will be held mid-December. Insha Allah,” he said. Novanto pretrial hearing sessions will commence at South Jakarta District Court on Thursday.

Golkar politicians said that Idrus and Airlangga have started seeking support from regional executive boards.

Airlangga has said he is ready to run for Golkar chairman post. “I the regional executive boards ask, as a cadre, I will be ready,” he said last week. Meanwhile, Idrus has yet to comment much. He has denied rumors that he had been seeking support for his chairmanship bid. “It would be unethical. Let the regional executive boards decide,” he said. However, Idrus has expressed his support if an extraordinary meeting is to be held.

ARKHELAUS WISNU | DIAS PRASONGKO | HUSSEIN ABRI DONGORAN