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.