GOLKAR OPEN TO ACCEPTING Newcomers: Specialist
Dr. Yohanes Sulaiman, Associate Professor of International Relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani ( UNJANI), reported to CNA that Mr. Widodo’s potential choice of Golkar as his new social vehicle “is really not difficult to understand.”
” First, Golkar is one of the largest events that gets in primaries. Next, compared to other events, it is quite open to accepting strangers … Golkar, with its open system, readily accepts additional images 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” solid relationship” with Mr Widodo.
” Since assuming the presidency, Jokowi has found it easy to connect with, and exercise power over, the group’s interests. He reportedly exerted a lot of influence in appointing Airlangga as party chief in December 2017.
Dr. Ujang questioned whether Mr. Widodo could form a rival group to Mr. Prabowo’s Gerindra, arguing that giving the party’s leadership might sour the latter’s standing.
” 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 attractive option due to its flexible, opened, and inclusive inside dynamics, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, including Mr Widodo”, said Dr Ujang.
NEED FOR NEW POLITICAL House
In the end, Dr. Ujang thinks that Mr. Widodo’s transition to Golkar could allow him to securing himself and his passions after resigning as president.
“( Joining a new party ) makes sure he has a “fortress as a shelter” to avoid issues after leaving office. Mr Jokowi has some political enemies. If Mr. Jokowi lacks authority as his weapon, he said, there is a chance that he will be targeted.
Dr. Ujang added that the Golkar group also has Mr. Widodo’s help.
” It is crucial to keep sway and authority because even a former president might not be as respected today.” The interactions of Mr Prabowo’s state will greatly depend on Mr Widodo’s placement in Golkar. If he only serves in the patron or advisory board, his influence ( is ) likely to be limited”, he said.
And Dr. Ujang informed CNA that Mr. Widodo has already lost interest in his present party in light of the potential PDI-P fallout.
” Mr Widodo, through his deeds, words, and beliefs, is currently no with, and oblivious to, PDI- P. It’s obvious that ( he ) has parted ways with PDI- P.
” So, it would n’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 the University of Jenderal Achmad Yani thinks that Mr. Widodo will stay with PDI-P until he is expelled.
” I do n’t think Mr. Widodo wo n’t leave PDI-P because he wants to keep the party in check, at least in order to stoke Mdm Megawati,” he said. Dr. Yohanes said,” I think Mdm Megawati is smart enough not to need to give the impression that Mr. Widodo is being politically tortured or bullied by firing him.”