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Bahlil named Golkar chair, creating opening for Jokowi to join
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Golkar Party chair candidate Bahlil Lahadalia (center) holds hands with acting chair Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita (right) and national party congress organizing committee head Bambang Soesatyo (left) during the opening of the Golkar national congress in Jakarta on Aug. 20, 2024. (Antara/Asprilla Dwi Adha)
B
ahlil Lahadalia, a close aide of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, has won an uncontested race for the Golkar Party chairmanship after other potential challengers failed to gain the required support from regional branches, an outcome analysts say creates an opportunity for the outgoing President to join the party’s ranks.
Golkar kicked off a two-day national congress to elect a new chairman on Tuesday, following the abrupt resignation of former chairman Airlangga Hartarto, who is also the current coordinating economic minister.
“Almost all vote-holders stated that they supported Pak Bahlil Lahadalia for Golkar chairman for [the period of] 2024 to 2029,” said Golkar interim chairman Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita before adjourning the first day of the congress at the Jakarta Convention Center in South Jakarta.
Bahlil's inauguration as chairman is expected to be held on Wednesday.
Airlangga’s surprise resignation led to speculation that it was part of a plan by Jokowi to install an ally as party chair and later secure for himself a senior position on the party’s advisory board.
In April, the President dismissed suggestions that he was planning to join Golkar.
Read also: Bahlil has majority regional support for chairmanship bid: Golkar official
