Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Interim Chairman of the Golkar Party, has confirmed that Bahlil Lahadalia will be elected as the new chairman of the party.

Agus announced that the verification process for chairman candidates is complete and that Bahlil Lahadalia is the sole qualified candidate. "There is only one candidate, Mr. Bahlil Lahadalia," Agus stated on the sidelines of the Golkar National Congress at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Senayan, on Tuesday.

The newly appointed Energy and Mineral Resources Minister will succeed Airlangga Hartarto, who has stepped down. "During the Congress, we will proceed with appointing Mr. Bahlil as our chairman for the next five years," Agus added.

The 11th Golkar National Congress will continue until Wednesday. Bahlil is scheduled to present his vision and mission before his official confirmation as the new chairman. "The vision and mission presentation will take place tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., alongside the official appointment of the new chairman," said Adies Kadir, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Golkar National Congress.

Bahlil Lahadalia has emerged as the sole candidate for Golkar's chairman for the 2024-2029 term, following the disqualification of rival candidate Ridwan Hisjam due to unmet nomination requirements.

Bambang Soesatyo, Vice Chairman of Golkar and Chairman of the Congress Organizing Committee, assured that despite numerous challenges, Golkar will remain resilient. "The challenges we face only serve to strengthen Golkar. The repeated trials have not destroyed or divided us," Bamsoet said during his speech at the Congress opening.

He emphasized that these challenges have instead unified and fortified the party. "These trials bring us closer and make us stronger. As long as we remain committed to supporting each other, no challenge will shake us. The banyan tree's broad leaves and strong roots symbolize Golkar's resilience and unity," Bamsoet concluded.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/golkar-party-to-elect-bahlil-lahadalia-as-new-chairma