Ichsan Ali, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo responded to the statement made by Hasto Kristiyanto, General Secretary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), suggesting that Jokowi would take over the role of Chairman of PDI-P, replacing Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Rather than directly responding to Hasto's statement, Jokowi redirected the question back to reporters.

"Chairman (of PDI-P)? Not Golkar?" Jokowi questioned reporters at the Indonesian Air Force Base in Halim Perdana Kusuma, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Expressing his surprise at Hasto's remarks, Jokowi also addressed rumors suggesting his interest in assuming the position of Chairman of Golkar.

"Rumors said that I want to take over Golkar. Do I want to take everything? Let's not jump to conclusions," said Jokowi.

Presently, Jokowi maintains his affiliation with the PDI-P, despite conflicting with the party's stance in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Jokowi's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, ran as vice president for the Gerindra Party's Prabowo Subianto, contradicting PDI-P's earlier endorsement of Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD in the election.

Previously, Hasto Kristiyanto had indicated that Jokowi intended to take over both Golkar and PDI-P, mentioning the idea of a permanent large coalition during a discussion event in Cikini, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Earlier, Golkar Party Chairman Airlangga Hartarto hinted at the possibility of President Jokowi joining the party, highlighting the close relationship between Jokowi and Golkar in the 2024 Presidential Election.

"Jokowi and the Golkar Party have held meetings and collaborated," Airlangga said in response to inquiries about Jokowi's potential affiliation with Golkar.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jokowi-addresses-rumors-of-assuming-megawatis-role-in-pdi