Bahlil Opens Golkar Sulsel Musda, Backs Ilham Arief Sirajuddin as Sole Candidate

Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia opened the XI Regional Conference (Musda) of the Golkar Party’s South Sulawesi Regional Leadership Council (DPD I) in Makassar. He stated that the Musda is the highest decision-making forum at the regional level, tasked with evaluating the previous leadership, formulating work programs, and electing a new chairman.

Bahlil stressed the importance of consolidation to restore Golkar’s dominance in South Sulawesi, which he described as a former stronghold for the party in Eastern Indonesia that has since been eroded by other parties in the 2024 elections. He urged the newly elected leadership to immediately complete Musda processes at the regency and city levels and strengthen the party network down to the sub-district and village levels.

Addressing the candidacy of Ilham Arief Sirajuddin, Bahlil noted that party regulations, including the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART), grant the Chairman prerogative rights to exercise discretion. He acknowledged that Ilham had previously left Golkar but described it as a common political dynamic, stating that the party is mature and open to those who wish to return.

The conference was originally expected to feature a contest between Ilham Arief Sirajuddin and Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin. However, Munafri Arifuddin did not attend the conference as he is currently performing Umrah, leaving Ilham Arief Sirajuddin as the sole candidate and virtually ensuring his election by acclamation.