Golkar dismisses two 'rebel' figures in Medan

Apriadi Gunawan , The Jakarta Post , Medan | Mon, 02/04/2008 7:04 AM | The Archipelago

Golkar has dismissed two North Sumatra governor hopefuls who didn't receive party approval to stand for election but are running anyway.

The two senior party members are Syamrul Arifin, head of Langkat regency, and Abdul Wahab Dalimunthe, chairman of the North Sumatra's legislative council.

Abdul was also recalled from the provincial legislature.

The decision was based on party bylaws which do not allow members to contend local elections unless they have party approval.

The party is backing Golkar provincial chairman Ali Umri, also the mayor of Binjai, in the April election.

Meanwhile, Syamsul has the backing of 12 political parties, including United Development (PPP), Prosperous Justice (PKS) and Crescent Star (PBB).

Abdul was nominated by the Democratic Party (PD), National Mandate Party (PAN) and Reformed Star Party (PBR).

Provincial deputy secretary Amas Muda Siregar said the decision was final and had been communicated to Syamsul and Abdul.

Abdul said he wasn't surprised by the dismissal, calling it one of the political risks of running for office.

"I'm prepared to be dismissed and recalled from the legislature. Not only that, I'm also ready to die for God."

The policy is intended to keep the party united and avoid "rebels" such as Syahrul Hasyim Limpo, a Golkar party member who won the 2007 South Sulawesi governor's race in November running on the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (DPI-P) ticket.

Golkar received a similar slap in the face when it lost North Sumatra governor Rudolf Pardede to PDI-P in 2003.

Seeking reelection, Rudolf failed to endorse party pick Tri Tamtomo, found to be the strongest candidate in polling and backed by local party leaders.