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Golkar to provide legal aid for Setya
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Gearing up: Golkar Party Secretary-General Idrus Marham (right) and the party’s executive chairman Nurdin Halid (second right) appear at a press conference in Jakarta on Nov. 23 to announce the party’s decision to reappoint Setya Novanto as House of Representatives Speaker, replacing Ade Komarudin. (Antara/M.Agung Rajasa)
T
he Golkar Party has said it would provide legal assistance for chairman Setya Novanto after the nation's antigraft body issued a warrant for his arrest for his alleged role in the e-ID graft case.
"The party's executive board, of course, will provide legal aid," senior Golkar member Mahyudin said after visiting Setya's house on Wednesday night. "This is about solidarity. [Because] we are family."
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sent investigators to Setya's home in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, to arrest him on Wednesday night, but they were only met by his wife and lawyer.
The KPK has urged Setya, whose whereabouts remain unknown as of Thursday morning, to turn himself in, saying that it is considering putting him on a wanted list.
Setya, who also serves as House of Representatives speaker, has refused to step down from his position as Golkar chief and House speaker.
Several of Golkar's top members showed up at his house on Wednesday night, including Mahyudin, Aziz Syamsuddin and Secretary-General Idrus Marham.
The party has stood behind Setya, even though some of his fiercest critics have repeatedly called for his ouster on the grounds that his legal case has tarnished the party's image.
"Golkar remains solid in supporting Setya. After all, our electability is still good," Idrus had told reporters at the House's building hours before the KPK went to Setya's house. (ahw)
