IO, Jakarta – As the political party with the longest tenure in Indonesia’s democratic system, the Functional Group (Golongan Karya – “Golkar”) Party is synonymous with the term “the Government party”. This has become even more of a truism since Golkar undoubtedly won 6 Presidential Elections in a row from 1971 to 1997. Even though the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan – “PDIP”) defeated it in the 1999 Elections, Golkar rallied and won the 2004 Elections.
Whether it wins the Elections or not, Golkar as the “Government party” will definitely always be part of the Government’s party coalition. Therefore, Kedai Kopi’s political observer Hendri Satrio (“Hensat”) cannot be faulted for saying that a lot of people consider Golkar as the “party of power”, the party with extreme closeness to power. It has maintained this position for three regimes. “We have to maintain existing commitments,” he stated in the public discussion titled “Golkar, the Strength of Indonesia’s Political System” held by the Jenggala Center in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (13/11/2019).
Hensat further declared that the Golkar line is the line of power. “Therefore, it is highly possible that Golkar voters will follow the direction of President Jokowi and praise Airlangga as Golkar’s best General Chairman,” he said.
In view of Golkar’s long journey, Hendri stated that it is an example for everyone, especially to young cadres interested in learning politics. As a substantially influential political infrastructure in our democratic system, Golkar is a force to reckon with. “Golkar is a mature, exemplary party. In other words, the Golkar Party is not just to be imitated – it should be considered as a reference in political maturity by its cadres, especially since all of them have the same opportunity to serve as its General Chairman later,” he said. (Dan)