Jakarta. Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia said Tuesday that no leader of the party has ever become Indonesia's president, arguing that Golkar's political mission extends beyond pursuing the presidency or vice presidency.

Bahlil made the remarks when asked by reporters about the possibility of running in the 2029 presidential election.

"If we look at Golkar's history, since its establishment in 1964 and its first participation in an election in 1971, none of its chairmen has ever become president," Bahlil said on the sidelines of the party's 62nd anniversary celebrations in Jakarta.

He noted that Sudharmono, who served as vice president under President Suharto, was the highest-ranking government official among Golkar's former chairmen.

Despite his remarks, Bahlil stopped short of explicitly ruling out a presidential bid or clarifying Golkar's position in the political landscape ahead of the 2029 election.

He stressed that Golkar should remain a vehicle for advancing the country's broader political and development objectives rather than focusing solely on securing top government positions.

Bahlil said the organization's transformation into a political party following Indonesia's democratic reforms had not changed its fundamental mission.

He described politics centered on public welfare as a principle that Golkar must continue to uphold.

Electoral Strength Remains a Priority
While stressing the importance of public service, Bahlil acknowledged that increasing Golkar's representation in legislative bodies remains a central political objective.

"Yes, increase the number of seats. That's the doctrine, my dear brother," Bahlil said, using an affectionate expression when explaining the party's electoral ambitions.

He argued that greater political representation should serve a broader purpose by strengthening the party's ability to advance policies benefiting the public.

Legislative representation gives political parties influence over lawmaking, government spending and oversight, making electoral success an important part of their ability to shape national policy.

Bahlil also called on Golkar to preserve its political identity and long-term objectives despite the changes Indonesia's political system has undergone.

Golkar was established in 1964 and became the dominant political organization during Suharto's New Order era, winning successive elections and supporting his presidency for more than three decades.

Although Golkar was the ruling political force throughout much of that period, Suharto himself did not serve as its chairman.

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