Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie reasserted his partyâs commitment to stay in the Red-and-White Coalition during a closed-door meeting with president-elect Joko âJokowiâ Widodo at Kunstkring art gallery in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday
olkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie reasserted his party's commitment to stay in the Red-and-White Coalition during a closed-door meeting with president-elect Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo at Kunstkring art gallery in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday.
'I asked him what Golkar's position was. He said the party would remain in its current position in the coalition,' said Jokowi as quoted by Antara news agency at a press conference after he met with Aburizal.
Jokowi said he accepted Golkar's decision because in a democracy, differences were normal.
'I think it is good as a check and balance for us in managing this government. So, there will be parties that will control and monitor the government,' said Jokowi.
Meanwhile, Aburizal said he and Jokowi had agreed to be on different sides of the fence but as friends desired to support each other and give constructive criticism rather than seek to destroy each other.
'We have agreed that differences of opinion in a democracy are normal but instead of being hostile toward each other, such differences are aimed at looking for the best solutions for the country and nation,' said Aburizal.
He further said that Golkar and the Red-and-White Coalition would become a balancing power for the Jokowi administration instead of an enemy or opposition. (dyl/ebf)(+++)
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