Jakarta – Outgoing President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has dismissed speculation that he is planning to take over the Golkar Party in a bid to exert political influence once he is out of office after Oct. 20 this year.
Speaking to reporters in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, President Jokowi who was on a working visit to the province said that he would continue focusing on his primary job of leading the country as president.
"For the time being, I am still the chairman of Indonesia," said Jokowi, who will remain in the job for the next seven months.
Local media reports have speculated that Jokowi is trying to take control of Golkar to retain the influence he racked up during a decade in power and protect it from his successor Prabowo Subianto.
Jokowi is thought to be looking to secure a position as head of the party's advisory board, a role that traditionally holds sway over the party leader.
To maintain his political foothold, Jokowi is also quietly backing loyalists from his outgoing government to head Golkar.
These include his preferred candidate, Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, as well as Coordinating Economic Minister and current Golkar chair Airlangga Hartarto and Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
Contacted separately, presidential aide Ari Dwipayana said the media had exaggerated its reporting of Jokowi's post-presidency plans.
Ari said that for now Jokowi was still preoccupied with his work as the country's president. "He will continue working until his term expires on Oct. 20, 2024," Ari said, as quoted by Tempo.