Golkar backs Irene in Banten regional elections, Observer: Bahlil shows class as leader

Jakarta, VIVA – Executive Director of Political Partners Indonesia, Abubakar Solissa or AB Solissa appreciates the decision of Golkar Party President General Bahlil Lahadalia to nominate Irene Rachmi Diani as a candidate for Governor of Banten in the 2024 elections. Bahlil, who has just been elected as Golkar President, has shown his class as a leader.

Bahlil, said AB Solissa, with good political communication skills, managed to find common ground amid the controversies of the candidacy. Especially in maintaining stability with the political parties within the Indonesian Progressive Alliance (KIM) following Golkar’s decision to transfer support from Andra Soni and Dimyati Natakusuma to Irene Racmi Diani – Ade Sumardi.

“Ketum Bahlil was able to demonstrate his political communication skills at a time of trauma. In addition to continuing his steadfastness in the KIM, Bahlil also continued to discuss the aspirations of the internal party cadres who wanted to support Golkar’s Irene,” said AB Solisa. , Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

AB Solissa further argued that Bahlil’s political decisions at crucial moments before his registration in the KPU demonstrated strong and proven leadership. Bahlil has the power to make Golkar successful in the 2024 regional elections, fight for internal staff, maintain the party’s reputation and be able to influence the national political constellation.

On the other hand, Bahlil’s support for Irene cannot be separated from the rational considerations of various poll results, which show that support for Irene is very high among the public.

AB Solissa cited one of the latest polls by the Indonesian Research Institute (LSI), which showed a very significant lead for Irene over her rival Andra Soni.

Irene received the support of 77.3 percent of the public, while Andhra Soni only got around 10 percent.

“Recently, for example, the Indonesian Research Institute (LSI) published its findings on August 21, 2024. As a result, if there is a direct scheme between Irene and the DPD chairman of the Banten Gerindra Party, Andhra Soni, the difference is “Irene is electable. 77.3 percent and Andhra Soni only about 10 percent,” he said.

AB Solissa explained that Irene’s contribution to Golkar was also considered excellent, as she served as mayor of South Tangerang (Tangsel) for two terms and then became a legislative candidate (kaleg) for the Banten III constituency with the highest number of votes.

Meanwhile, political observer at Indonesia’s Al-Azhar University, Ujang Komarudin, believes Bahlil’s decision to nominate Irene is a politically correct move.

“Ultimately, Irene is a Golkar side with high selection ability and potential to win,” said Ujang Komarudin when contacted on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

“Therefore, perhaps to protect potential cadres, Irene was encouraged to run for the Golkar party, which Golkar had previously recommended to Andra Soni and Dimyati,” he said.

According to Ujang, Bahlil Lahadalia’s decision to withdraw his support for Andra Soni, backed by the Indonesian Progressive Alliance (KIM) party, is seen as a bold move because it carries risks.

However, the latest political step of proposing Irene’s candidacy in the Banten regional elections is part of Bahlil’s experience in creating political connections with the KIM parties.

Uzhang said it was natural to withdraw support and give it to Irene. Because Golkar has the right to recommend anyone, both Andra Soni and Irene.

But at the last second, Bahlil decisively gave it to Irene and prioritized it based on its size.

Uzhang explained that Bahlil’s political decision was also a good reminder for leadership training in political parties. Moreover, Irene is the best Golkar cadre in Banten province, and if she is ignored she could be handed over to PDI Perjuangan, who formally nominated her from the Golkar Party.

“Yes, I see the courage, the courage of Bahlil to promote his cadres who have a mass base and are very electable, so they should be supported,” he said.