Nurul Fitri Ramadhani, Jakarta – The Golkar Party, the country's oldest and second-largest political party, is again facing internal strife, with party elites sharply divided over whether Golkar should retain its support for Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.
A group of Golkar elites led by former party chairman Aburizal Bakrie has called on the police to enforce the law against the governor, who has been accused of committing blasphemy and is backed by a majority of the ruling coalition parties.
Since a Nov. 4 rally against the governor, Golkar has yet to make a statement about whether the police should move forward with legal steps against Ahok. Aburizal, who chairs the party's advisory board, complained on Thursday that his party had not taken a law enforcement stance.
"I don't accuse [Ahok] of being guilty [in the case]. But the police should enforce the law and follow up the investigation into Ahok's case, fairly and honestly," Aburizal said in Jakarta at a Golkar meeting attended party bigwigs such as Setya Novanto and Agung Laksono.
"I know our party supports Ahok [in the Jakarta election] and it has made a final decision. But we have to firmly show that the person we are supporting is also not allowed to insult a religion – any religion, not only Islam. Religious blasphemy is a serious matter," he added.
The statement triggered a tense debate between Aburizal's camp and that of party chief Setya. Aburizal warned that Golkar could lose support from the public and senior members if it failed to address the Ahok case accordingly.
Agung, who chairs the party's board of experts, begged to differ, saying the party should promote nationalism and should not get involved in debates on religion as it was a sensitive matter.
The former party deputy chairman, who was also Aburizal's rival during a year-long split over party control, emphasized that the party must back Ahok and entrust the legal process to the police.
"I'm not angry. I am just reminding [the party] that we should have a clear and consistent stance. We can't retreat on our support for Ahok," Agung, an ally of Setya, said.
He argued that the Nov. 4 rally, which saw thousands of protesters hit the streets of Jakarta, was not only about Ahok. The rally, he said, also aimed to oust President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
Golkar declared support for Jokowi in July and joined the government coalition after opposing it for one-and-a-half years. It has also decided to endorse Jokowi for the 2019 presidential election. Speculation is rife that Setya is eyeing the country's second-top post in the election.
Aburizal has indicated his objection to the party's decision to endorse Ahok. However, Aburizal is now not as powerful as he used to be in the party. Although his voice is heard for consideration and input, it is Setya that has the final say.
Setya said Golkar would remain consistent in supporting Ahok and pledged to consider input from the advisory board and all senior members. "I am thankful for all advice from Golkar senior members. [...] We'll keep supporting Ahok and let the police work on the legal process."
Aburizal is not the only one opposing Ahok's endorsement. Another advisory board member, Fadel Muhammad, previously recommended that the party evaluate its support for Ahok.
On Thursday, party executive Nurdin Halid announced that Golkar had dismissed Fadel from his board membership, but claimed the dismissal had nothing to do with Fadel's statement against Ahok.
Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/golkar-faces-