Bahlil Urges Consolidation and Performance of Cadres as Key to Strengthening Golkar in the Regions

Internal consolidation and the improvement of cadre performance are crucial factors in strengthening the effectiveness of political organisations at the regional level. Internal fragmentation and uneven political representation are still seen as the main challenges. This was stated by Golkar Party General Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia at the 11th Regional Deliberation (Musda) forum of the Golkar Party in North Sulawesi in Manado. According to him, the Musda forum should be a strategic space for evaluating organisational performance as well as formulating future policy directions, not just a routine agenda. “This Musda is not just ceremonial, but a forum for evaluation and formulating strategic organisational steps,” he said. Bahlil stressed that internal solidity is the main prerequisite for improving organisational achievements, particularly in strengthening representation in district/city and provincial DPRDs. In addition, he also highlighted the importance of increasing the strategic positions of cadres in the regions. Currently, not all districts/cities have DPRD leaders from the party, indicating there is still room for strengthening at the local level. In that context, the new leadership is expected to drive an increase in the number of legislative seats while strengthening positions in regional executives. The Musda forum also appointed Michaela Elsiana Paruntu as Chair of DPD I Golkar Sulut for the 2025–2030 period. She affirmed her commitment to strengthening consolidation down to the grassroots level. “Organisational strengthening must be done together by embracing all cadres,” she said. Meanwhile, the previous leadership under Christiany Eugenia Paruntu is seen to have laid the initial foundation for future organisational strengthening. Overall, the dynamics of the Musda reflect the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining internal solidity while improving electoral performance amid increasingly complex regional political competition.