Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – Golkar Party Chairman Airlangga Hartarto suggests the possibility of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo becoming a member of the party, emphasizing the strong connection between Jokowi and Golkar in the 2024 Presidential Election.

"Jokowi and the Golkar Party have indeed held meetings, and we have been working together," Airlangga said in response to reporters' inquiries about Jokowi's potential move to Golkar.

Highlighting the close relationship between Jokowi and Golkar, Airlangga pointed to the 2024 elections where Jokowi featured in Golkar's campaign advertisements, illustrating the comfort and proximity between the two.

"Golkar's advertisements with Mr. Jokowi indicate the closeness between him and Golkar," said Airlangga at the Golkar Party's Central Executive Board Office in West Jakarta, on Sunday.

Jokowi's strong ties with Airlangga are apparent in his cabinet placement. During his first presidential term, Jokowi strategically appointed Airlangga Hartarto as the Minister of Industry. Later, in 2019, Airlangga was further elevated to the role of Chief Economic Minister.

However, Airlangga refrained from confirming Jokowi's immediate membership in the party. Presently, Jokowi maintains his affiliation with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), despite conflicting with the party's stance in the election.

Jokowi's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is running as vice president for the Gerindra Party's Prabowo Subianto, contradicting PDI-P's earlier endorsement of Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Tensions between Jokowi, PDI-P, and Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri have escalated due to Gibran's candidacy, leading to expectations that PDI-P will assume opposition roles in the upcoming administration of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Previously, Airlangga expressed approval of President Jokowi joining Golkar, recognizing him as a national figure.

"Mr. Jokowi is a national figure, belonging to all parties," remarked Airlangga to reporters at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta last month.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/airlanggas-remarks-spark-speculation-on-jokowis-potential-move-to-golka