PDIP Mocks Golkar's 'Addiction to Power', Golkar Retorts: Proof That Those in Power Need Golkar
Golkar Party Secretary-General Sarmuji has hit back at PDIP Central Board Chairman Deddy Sitorus, who mocked Golkar for being addicted to power by always siding with the ruling government despite losing the presidential election. Sarmuji stated that it is the ruling power that always pulls Golkar into the administration.
“Golkar has been on the outside before. But it is the ruling power that pulls us in,” Sarmuji told reporters on Saturday (20/6/2026).
Sarmuji assessed this as proof that those in power need Golkar in the government. “It shows that even those in power need Golkar to strengthen the administration,” he said.
Regarding the power outages also raised by Deddy Sitorus, Sarmuji considered it a matter for all parties. Although power outages are technically the domain of the state electricity company PLN, Sarmuji noted that Golkar Chairman Bahlil Lahdalia, who also serves as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, remains attentive to the issue.
“It is everyone’s concern. Although technically it is PLN’s area, we will still pay attention to matters concerning the livelihood of many people. If others do not want to concern themselves with PLN’s work, we will remain concerned. We will ask the relevant commission to summon PLN’s CEO,” he stated.
“I am not convinced that PDIP does not want to get involved in the power outage issue. This concerns the livelihood of many people. Moreover, PLN’s CEO is a former PDIP legislative candidate,” Sarmuji added.
Sarmuji further stated that he continues to respect PDIP’s position. He will let the public judge the balance that PDIP claims to provide as a self-proclaimed balancing party.
“In my statement, I said I respect PDIP’s political position. And I said let the people judge. Whatever it is that is being balanced. Why become so sensitive?” he remarked.
Earlier, Deddy Sitorus responded to Sarmuji, who had questioned what PDIP was balancing outside the government. Deddy alluded to Golkar’s constant addiction to power.
“Golkar would do better to deal with the power outages everywhere, rather than meddling with PDIP. PDIP is not Golkar, which whether it loses or wins always wants to be in power. We do not have a talent for power addiction, where without ruling we would die or fail to develop,” Deddy Sitorus said when contacted on Saturday (20/6/2026).
Deddy stated that being inside the government is indeed advantageous for a political party because it provides access to power. He expressed surprise that Golkar would mock PDIP for remaining outside.
“Why mock those who do not wish to enter and enjoy the luxury of power? We respect those in government, and Golkar should show the same attitude towards those on the outside,” he said.