Munas is Golkar’s Internal Affairs, President Jokowi Says

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, answers reporters’ questions at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (2/12). (Photo by: Antara)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo firmly denied the issue that the Government intervened in the Golkar Party’s National Congress (Munas) to be held in Jakarta, 3-6 December 2019.

“That is the Party’s internal affairs. I do not think that one of the largest political parties could be intervened by ministers or external parties,” President Jokowi said during a meeting with reporters at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (2/12).

According to the President, the issue saying that the Government has intervened in a party was a common political matter.

“It has nothing to do with Minister of State Secretary or Cabinet Secretary. That is the party’s internal issue,” the President said while citing Praktino’s statement saying that the Minister did not even know any Regional Representatives Council (DPD) from Golkar Party.

On that occasion, President Jokowi said that if he demands to invite the party, it will be open as before. DPD is invited openly and both will discuss the statehood. But when it comes to the national congress, President Jokowi firmly said that it is Golkar’s internal affairs.

The President further said that several ministers including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, and Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali are ministers from Golkar Party.

“Let Golkar democratically determine direction of its leadership,” President Jokowi added.

According to the President, as one of the largest parties, Golkar should maintain national political stability and contribute to national development. (UN / ES)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani