Breaking News: Setya Novanto Will Step Down, Golkar Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Setya Novanto has stated his willingness to step down from his roles as the House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker and the Functional Group (Golkar) Party Chairman, according to East Nusa Tenggara chapter of Golkar Party chairman Melki Laka Lena.

“We received valid information that [Setya] Novanto will step down,” Melki said in Jakarta on Saturday, December 2.

Melki declined to reveal the identity of the information source. However, he said that the person was close to Setya.

Read: Andi Narogong Exposes Setya Novanto's Involvement in E-KTP Case

Earlier on November 10, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for second time named Setya as a suspect in the electronic ID card (e-KTP) corruption case. He was named as a suspect in the same case on July 17, but the suspect naming was deemed illegitimate by the South Jakarta District Court on September 29.

A number of Golkar politicians had urged Setya to be removed from the chairman position, as the case was viewed to have degraded Golkar Party’s electability.

According to Melki, the Setya’s decision to step down was based on demands from Golkar members, the DPR, the Ethics Council (MKD), and the public. Melki has not yet revealed the timing of the resignation.

“The timing is being discussed with [Setya Novanto’s] close people. Setya’s family are still waiting for the perfect timing. Hopefully, there will be a decision next week,” Melki said.

ZARA AMELIA