Indra Bambang Utoyo, Ridwan Hisjam and Agun Gunanjar announced their candidacy after Bambang supporters recently threatened to hold a separate national congress. A similar rift emerged in 2014 when the nation’s second-largest party held two separate congresses – one in Jakarta and one in Bali – to elect its chairman following a fierce battle between candidates Aburizal Bakrie and Agung Laksono.

Bambang loyalist Victus Murin accused Airlangga and his supporters of violating the party’s rules of association and internal bylaws (AD/ART) by removing Bambang supporters from the congress committee. They said it was a sign of unhealthy competition as the incumbent’s supporters were dominating.

"This is a reminder for Airlangga’s supporters that history should not repeat itself,” the Golkar deputy secretary-general said on Monday.

However, they have not set the date or place for the second congress. “We will monitor the congress held on Dec. 3 to 6 first,” Victus said.

Of the three new candidates, Indra was the first to declare his bid. The former lawmaker and senior member of Golkar said he was worried that the Bambang-Airlangga rivalry could worsen an internal division within the party, which could affect votes in future elections.

He was concerned that Golkar could be left behind as it had almost never focused on strategic issues. He cited the NasDem Party as an example of the successful use of strategy.

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