REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Former of Golkar Party chairman, Jusuf Kalla claimed to support Minister of Industry, Airlangga Hartarto to become Golkar Party chairman through the party's extraordinary national congress to replace Setya Novanto who became a suspect in the corruption case of e-ID procurement.

"Among all the candidates, I think Airlangga has the least problem. It means that he never dealt with KPK, prosecutors or sort of it. The figure that fit for Golkar chairman must be someone who is acceptable to all parties," said Kalla at Vice President's office, Jakarta, Tuesday (November 28). 

Kalla's statement confirmed the comment of VP's expert staff and Golkar politician Iskandar Mandji who said that Airlangga has gained support from Kalla and some other senior Golkar politicians. 

According to the Kalla, based on all the party terms and ethics, Airlangga fits the most.

"My principle is simple, if you want to held congress, vote for a Golkar figure who meet all the requirements, he certainly has to be good person and dedicated to the party. One of the requirements is he has been an official, at least for five years," said Kalla.

Regarding to Airlangga's position who is still a minister of Working Cabinet, Kalla said there is no law stating that the minister has to quit to become party officials. 

"There is no regulation about that, I was vice president as well as party chairman. Same as the former presidents, SBY and Megawati. Both of them were the chairman of their parties while serving the country as president," he explained. 

Earlier on Monday (November 27), Airlangga Hartanto claimed to have requested and obtained permission from President Joko Widodo to run as a candidate for Golkar Party chairman.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika