Nusantara. Speculation is mounting that Investment Minister and Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia is a strong candidate for the Golkar Party's next chairman following Airlangga Hartarto's resignation from the position.

Before Airlangga stepped down, photos circulated on social media showing Bahlil meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. Additionally, Bahlil was seen meeting former Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) at Jusuf's residence in South Jakarta.

Bahlil explained that his meeting with Jokowi was part of his duties as a cabinet member, while his meeting with JK was a customary visit as a junior member of the Golkar Party.

"Oh, it’s usual to meet with the President. As the President of Indonesia, I need to seek his guidance on various matters. As for JK, he's my senior, so it's only right to maintain good relations," Bahlil said while visiting the Nusantara Capital (IKN) in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, on Monday.

When asked about his candidacy as the acting chairman of Golkar, Bahlil said that such decisions are up to the party's Central Executive Board (DPP). "I'm not part of the DPP, so it's an internal party matter," Bahlil said.

Before attending a plenary cabinet session led by President Jokowi in Nusantara, Airlangga and Bahlil were seen together in a friendly manner.

The ministers took advantage of a breakfast gathering before the session, during which Airlangga and Bahlil were notably close. The two were photographed with their arms around each other and giving thumbs-up gestures.

During the meeting, there was a light-hearted moment when Bahlil Lahadalia pulled out a chair that belonged to the National Police Chief. Airlangga Hartarto, noticing this, jokingly remarked, "Bahlil's pulling a chair again. Even the Police Chief's chair was taken by Bahlil," prompting laughter from the other ministers. Bahlil also laughed along at Airlangga's joke.

Airlangga Hartarto, who was elected as Golkar's chairman in 2019 for a term lasting until the end of 2024, chose to step down early. He cited two main reasons: preserving the unity of the Golkar Party and maintaining stability and calm during the transition from President Jokowi's administration to that of Prabowo Subianto, the winner of the 2024 presidential election.

Golkar Party politician Andi Sinulingga said that Airlangga's successor as chairman would be decided in an upcoming plenary meeting. He also mentioned that Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia is expected to take over the role.

"The decision will be made in the plenary meeting and national congress as soon as possible. Bahlil is expected to become the new chairman," Andi told Beritasatu.com on Sunday.

Furthermore, Andi indicated that Golkar would temporarily be led by acting chairman Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, the Industry Minister.