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House official Priyo to run for Golkar chairman
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso, who is also a Golkar Party politician, says he will run for the partyâs chairmanship in the next national meeting
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ouse of Representatives Deputy Speaker Priyo Budi Santoso, who is also a Golkar Party politician, says he will run for the party's chairmanship in the next national meeting.
'I'm waiting for the proper time to declare my candidacy for the position of Golkar chairman. The most definite thing is that I will run,' he said as quoted by Antara news agency in Jakarta on Sunday.
Priyo claimed Golkar chairman Aburizal Bakrie had approved his intentions to run for the party chairmanship.
'I have met with Pak Ical [Aburizal] and he appreciated and approved it. Pak Ical has allowed me to run [for the party chairmanship]. He said, 'you are an excellent party member',' said Priyo.
The politician said he was optimistic that he could win. 'I have been a House member for 17 years. I feel I'm ready and complete. My appointment as the party's spokesperson will bring more benefits to my candidacy,' said Priyo.
He went on to say that he was not worried about gaining the financial support required for his candidacy.
'What I want to promote more is ideas, not financial support. I want Golkar to be led by a person who understands organization-related matters better. Unlike previous years, to become party chairman, we no longer need to depend on financial support, although it remains important. I want to put forward the big dreams of this party,' said Priyo.
Six party senior members, including Agung Laksono, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, and Airlangga Hartarto, are reportedly running for the Golkar chairman position.
Priyo said he wanted voters in the party's regional branches to make their own decisions.
'If they want to vote for a senior member deemed rich with experience or pick a young and fresh candidate deemed capable of bringing change to the party in the future, then just do it,' said Priyo, adding that if elected, he was ready to work with both the government and the House. (dyl/ebf)
