GOLKAR OPEN TO ACCEPTING OUTSIDERS: EXPERT
Associate Professor of International Relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani (UNJANI) Dr Yohanes Sulaiman told CNA that Mr Widodo potentially choosing Golkar as his new political vehicle “is actually not difficult to understand”.
“First, Golkar is one of the largest parties that wins in elections. Second, compared to other parties, it is quite open to accepting outsiders … Golkar, with its open system, easily accepts external figures and integrates them into its leadership,” said Dr Yohanes.
Separately, Dr Ujang from the University of Al Azhar Indonesia said that Golkar has maintained a “strong bond” with Mr Widodo.
“Since assuming the presidency, Jokowi has found it easy to communicate with, and exert control over, the party’s affairs. He wielded considerable influence in appointing Mr Airlangga as the party leader in December 2017,” he said.
On whether it is feasible for Mr Widodo to join another party like Mr Prabowo’s Gerindra, Dr Ujang said that handing over the leadership of the party may weaken the latter’s position.
“It appears Mr Prabowo will stay with (his party) as he aims to maintain control over political parties, particularly his brainchild, Gerindra. Golkar emerges as a more appealing choice due to its flexible, open, and inclusive internal dynamics, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, including Mr Widodo,” said Dr Ujang.
There have also been talks that Mr Widodo might join the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) – a political party that is led by his younger son, Mr Kaesang Pangarep.
But Dr Yohanes believes that the “most suitable position would indeed be within Golkar” for Mr Widodo to continue to play a significant role in Indonesian politics.
“This is because Golkar holds a strong position in the House of Representatives unlike, for example, PSI, which even if it manages to pass the 4 per cent threshold, remains just that, a 4 per cent party,” said Dr Yohanes, referring to the threshold in the national legislative election where a party needs to gain at least 4 per cent of the total national vote.
Should they fail to do so, the party would forfeit their seats in the national legislature.
However, the PSI appears to no longer be electorally viable for Mr Widodo, as the party is unlikely to cross the parliamentary threshold of 4 per cent needed to enter the House of Representatives.
As of the latest count on March 6, the party is hovering at around 3 per cent of the votes. The electoral commission has stopped publishing the graph of the election results.
NEED FOR NEW POLITICAL SHELTER
Ultimately, Dr Ujang believes that a potential move to Golkar is a way for Mr Widodo to secure himself and his interests after stepping down as president.
“(Joining a new party) ensures he has a ‘fortress as a shelter’ to avoid problems after leaving office. Mr Jokowi has many political enemies. There is potential for Mr Jokowi to be targeted if he lacks power as his shield,” he said.
Dr Ujang further added that Mr Widodo has support in the form of the Golkar party.
“It is crucial to maintain influence and power because in Indonesia, even a former president may not be respected anymore. The dynamics of Mr Prabowo’s government will heavily depend on Mr Widodo’s position in Golkar. If he only serves in the patron or advisory board, his influence (is) likely to be limited,” he said.
And on the potential fallout with PDI-P, Dr Ujang told CNA that Mr Widodo has already lost interest in his current party.
“Mr Widodo, through his actions, words, and beliefs, is already not with, and indifferent to, PDI-P. It’s evident that (he) has parted ways with PDI-P.
“So, it wouldn’t be surprising if Mr Widodo eventually joins Golkar because he needs a new ‘home’ to secure himself, his family, and his political interests after no longer holding office,” he said.
Dr Yohanes from Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani believes that Mr Widodo will remain in PDI-P until he is expelled.
“I suspect Mr Widodo won’t resign from PDI-P because he wants to maintain the possibility of taking over the party, or at least as a way to provoke Mdm Megawati. I think Mdm Megawati is smart enough not to want to give the impression that Mr Widodo is being politically persecuted or bullied by firing him,” said Dr Yohanes.
Source: CNA
