Bambang Soesatyo to Become DPR Chairman, Aburizal Bakrie Approves

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Board of Trustees Golkar Chairman Aburizal Bakrie said he approved the appointment of Bambang Soesatyo as the chairman of House of Representatives (DPR), replacing Setya Novanto. This approval was taken after the Board of Council held a meeting, on Sunday night, January 14.

"The Golkar Board of Trustees can approve and support the establishment of Bambang Soesatyo as the chairman of House of Representatives," said Aburizal at Bakrie Tower, South Jakarta, on Sunday night, January 14.

Aburizal considers if the chairman position is vacant, it will inhibit the mechanism and performance of the House of Representatives leadership. According to him, that also can give the bad image for the Golkar.

Golkar Central Executive Board also sent Bambang Soesatyo’s name to Golkar Board of Trustees for consideration. Aburizal explained based on the Party’s Statutes and Households, it is stated that the party's strategic policy should be discussed with the Board of Trustees.

Aburizal said the strategic policy is the determination of presidential and vice presidential candidates and the establishment of state institutions. "The strategic policy should be discussed between the board of trustees and DPP Golkar," he said.

Aburizal also said the factor of political conditions should become a consideration in approving the appointment of Bambang as the chairman. "The choice that the Golkar has set will not bring a bad impact to the party," he said. He also believed, the decision will not give bad impact for the House of Representatives.

Bambang Soesatyo’s name emerged when Golkar was preparing the House of Representatives Chairman as Setya Novanto’s substitute, who is undergoing the legal proceeding. Setya who was also the Chairman of Golkar, entangled in the corruption of e-KTP project. Bambang's appointment plan will be announced on Monday, January 15, 2017.

ARKHELAUS WISNU TRIYOGO