Anita Rachman, Jakarta – Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie insisted on Sunday that the party would stay inside the ruling coalition, despite complaints by some party stalwarts that Golkar has been forced to compromise too much.
"There are people who say the party has been bowing down too many times to other coalition members," Aburizal told the opening of a Golkar leaders' meeting to mark the party's 46th anniversary.
Aburizal, who is increasingly seen as a possible presidential contender in 2014, said he understood the dissent but urged members to consider the good of the party and the nation before agitating to leave the coalition.
"In a discussion of our nation's great goals, Golkar will never bargain. People's welfare, legal certainty and education are fixed. All of these are Golkar's strategic goals," he said.
Coalition politics was a short-term tactical move, not the goal, and the party needed to pursue its goals by using timing and common sense, he said.
"Sometimes we embrace, sometimes we are embraced. Sometimes we dodge, sometimes we draw a straight line," said the tycoon and political leader, who chairs the secretariat of the ruling coalition. "That's what has happened with the issues and policies lately."
He said when it came to the House's Bank Century probe, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the naming of a central bank governor and the choice for ambassador to the US and National Police chief, Golkar had given ground for good reasons. "We did what we had to do and we did it well," he said.
Aburizal said that with strong backing in the regions, Golkar had a good shot at taking back the presidency in 2014.
Under former President Suharto, who took over Golkar as his personal political vehicle in 1971, the party ruled continuously until the strongman was forced out in 1998. Since then, it has not won a presidential election.
Aburizal said that in 2014, Golkar must nominate its best member to carry the banner – but stopped short of naming himself.
He said Golkar's efforts to build itself up would not affect the coalition and that every party – whether inside or outside the coalition – must aim to be the best.
Meanwhile, Golkar secretary general Idrus Marham said the three-day meeting would involve internal party discussions. The party would be focusing on building its network in rural areas.
Golkar has set a goal of enlisting 10 million members, offering life insurance to those who sign up as an incentive. Idrus said the leaders also would discuss national politics. The party was committed to offering constructive criticism to the government.