Golkar Party to replace leader of House faction
Golkar Party to replace leader of House faction
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta
The Golkar Party will replace the chairman of its faction in the
House following the election of Vice President Jusuf Kalla to the
party's top post earlier this month.
The replacement of Mohammad Hatta as the leader of the Golkar
faction in the House of Representatives is expected to harmonize
the policies of the party with those of its House legislators,
party deputy leader Agung Laksono said on Monday.
Agung, who is also the House speaker, said the leader of the
House faction also had to be a member of the party's central
executive board.
"According to the party's standing orders, the faction leader
must be chosen from among the party's executive board. This will
ensure that our policies are effectively implemented in the
field," he said.
Agung would not discuss possible replacements for Hatta, but
Golkar executives Andi Mattalata and Paskah Suzetta have been
mentioned as possible candidates.
Hatta, known as a supporter of former Golkar leader Akbar
Tandjung, was not included on the party's new central board.
Under Akbar, Golkar formed an opposition faction in the House
with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the Prosperous
Peace Party, the Reform Star Party and later the National
Awakening Party. The coalition helped secure the House
speakership for Agung.
Kalla, with support from Agung, convincingly defeated Akbar in
the election for Golkar's top job during a party conference in
Bali on Dec. 19.
Agung denied that Golkar would remove the party's House
commission leaders who were seen as loyal to Akbar.
Akbar loyalists currently holding commission leadership posts
include Ferry Mursyidan Baldan, who chairs House Commission II
for home and regional autonomy affairs, Akil Mochtar, who is a
deputy chairman of Commission III for justice and security
affairs, and Ade Komaruddin, the deputy chairman of Commission VI
for industry and trade.
Agung said any reshuffle of commission leaders would be
independently decided on by the House's Legislative Body, which
is tasked with discussing revisions to the House's standing
orders.
Ade Komaruddin said he and his colleagues were not concerned
by the possible replacement of Golkar lawmakers leading House
commissions.
"We will accept whatever decision the party leader makes. We
must follow the rules," he said.
Ade, who says he is a close friend of Kalla, said the Vice
President would accommodate the interests of various groups
within the party.
Commenting on the imminent changes in the faction, Golkar
legislator Musfihin Dahlan said the party could act as either a
supporter or an opponent to the government's policies.
Musfihin said a clear position would help Golkar legislators
work more effectively.
Fellow Golkar legislator Djoko Purwongemboro said he expected
Agung to play a dual role as House speaker and Golkar deputy
leader.