Jakarta. After officially assuming the role of Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia is determined to lead Golkar to become the number one party in the upcoming 2029 elections.

 He also aims to position the party, symbolized by the banyan tree, as a key supporter of the newly elected President and Vice President, Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

According to the national vote tally by the General Election Commission (KPU), PDI-P remains the largest party in the House of Representatives, having secured 25.39 million votes, or 16.72 percent, in the 2024 general elections, followed by Golkar with 23.2 million votes (15.29 percent), and Gerindra with 20.07 million votes (13.22 percent).

Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that previous Golkar leaders, from Jusuf Kalla to Airlangga Hartarto, have always maintained close ties with the government. He dismissed criticism suggesting that his rise to Golkar Chairman is solely due to his proximity to the current administration, noting that Golkar has historically been aligned with the government.

"Why were past candidates not criticized for this, but I am?" Bahlil said during his speech at Golkar’s 11th National Congress in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He cited examples, such as Jusuf Kalla's victory in the 2004 Golkar Congress, supported by his role as Vice President under President SBY, and Aburizal Bakrie's win, backed by President SBY in the subsequent congress. He also mentioned Setya Novanto and Airlangga Hartarto, who both had strong ties to the government during their tenures.

Bahlil was unanimously elected as Golkar's Chairman for the 2024-2029 period during the party's 11th National Congress (Munas) held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Wednesday.

"By this decision, we officially appoint Bahlil Lahadalia as the Chairman of the Golkar Party for the 2024-2029 term," said Adies Kadir, the Chairman of the 11th National Congress.

Adies Kadir confirmed that Bahlil Lahadalia has the authority to determine the party's leadership structure following his appointment as Golkar's Chairman.

"We are granting full authority to the newly elected Chairman. This means that he will organize the structure of Golkar's Central Executive Board for the 2024-2029 period. If he needs a daily chairman, it might be added," he said.

Amid the 11th National Congress, there were rumors that President Joko Widodo might join Golkar as the Chairman of the Advisory Council.

So far, Adies mentioned that Jokowi's name has not been discussed as a potential member of the Advisory Council. However, he stated that the composition of various councils within Golkar will be decided by Bahlil after he assumes his role as Chairman.

Golkar confirmed that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and President-elect Prabowo Subianto will attend the closing ceremony of the congress tonight.