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Golkar’s move leave PDI-P in limbo
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Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
T
he planned return of controversial Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto to the House of Representatives’ top post has inevitably received a mixed reaction but it is also believed that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo may benefit from the move.
Many believe that having Setya as the House speaker will help Jokowi strengthen his position in the legislative body despite the potential public uproar over Setya’s return given the number of scandals that have tainted Setya’s image in the past.
Regardless, Setya has long been known for his political lobbying skills, which may be why he is “more trusted” than current speaker Ade Komarudin, Setya’s rival during the party chairmanship race.
“Maybe he’s more accommodating [than Ade]. It’s good that he’s a good lobbyist too, right? All interests must be embraced,” Golkar executive Andi Sinulingga said on Thursday. Setya could establish good communication even with those in opposing parties, he added.
“[He] must be able to secure the government’s policies. We all know that Setya is committed to [them],” Andi said.
One item on the agenda that might find a smoother passage with Setya’s reinstatement is the plan to change the country’s open-list electoral system to a semi-closed list poll. Setya’s Golkar and Jokowi’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) have been to the forefront in pushing forward the change.
Setya’s lobbying abilities will be used to the full to bring around parties that oppose the idea, particularly the National Mandate Party (PAN), United Development Party (PPP) and NasDem Party, all of which are in a government coalition.
“[Setya] is slippery as an eel,” said senior political expert Ikrar Nusa Bakti of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).
“Setya tends to be able to give comfort to the government. For Jokowi, Setya is more politically acceptable,” Ikrar said.
Political expert from Al-Azhar University Rachmat Bagja said from a prestige point of view the position would definitely benefit Setya also.
“He wants to be back, to have power in the country’s most influential institution. Not to mention that the return will give him legitimacy, that he’s clean,” Rachmat said.
Setya resigned as House speaker last year following allegations about his involvement in a suspected conspiracy with giant mining company Freeport Indonesia.
But some Golkar members seem to be less than thrilled about the decision. The Golkar central executive board’s decision regarding Setya’s return was taken without consulting its advisory board, led by his predecessor as Golkar leader Aburizal Bakrie.
Meanwhile, Ade said he would consult first with other senior Golkar politicians and his family.
“After that, I will perform the istikharah [Islamic prayer aiming to seek guidance in decision-making],” he said.
Ade added that he would waitand-see and had not decided whether to fight back or not, but he had yet to talk to Setya about the matter.
Since Setya won the party chairmanship race earlier this year, he has brought the party into the government coalition, after more than a year in opposition.
Golkar supported Jokowi’s rival, Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto, during the 2014 presidential election.
Under Setya’s leadership, Golkar became the first party to pledge support for Jokowi to run for reelection in 2019.
Although Jokowi seems to favor Golkar over the PDI-P, the largest party in the House, especially when it comes to political horse-trading, PDI-P lawmakers have declined to comment on the matter.
“I guess we must respect Golkar’s prerogative rights to reappoint Setya as House Speaker,” was all PDI-P lawmaker Charles Honoris had to say when asked.
