Golkar, Indonesia's Second-Largest Party, Appoints Jokowi Loyalist as New Chief

Key Points

• Golkar, Indonesia's second-largest political party, has appointed Airlangga Hartarto as its new leader.
• Hartarto is a close ally of President Joko Widodo.
• Golkar's support could be crucial for Widodo's re-election bid in 2019.

Background

Golkar is Indonesia's oldest political party. It was founded in 1964 by former President Suharto.

Golkar has been the dominant political force in Indonesia for much of the country's history. However, it has lost ground in recent years to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which is led by Widodo.

Hartarto's Appointment

Hartarto was appointed Golkar's leader on May 10, 2017.

He is a close ally of Widodo and is seen as a potential successor to the president.

Hartarto's appointment is expected to strengthen Widodo's position ahead of the 2019 presidential election.

Golkar's Support

Golkar's support could be crucial for Widodo's re-election bid.

The party has a strong following in rural areas, which could help Widodo win votes in the upcoming election.

However, Golkar's support is not guaranteed. The party has been divided in recent years, and some members are unhappy with Widodo's leadership.

Conclusion

Hartarto's appointment as Golkar's leader is a significant development in Indonesian politics.

The party's support could be crucial for Widodo's re-election bid in 2019.

However, Golkar's support is not guaranteed, and the party remains divided.