Novanto’s Letter Triggers Controversy

Controversy has ensued within the Golkar Party in the wake of Novanto’s decision to step down as House Speaker.

Kompas/Wisnu Widiantoro

From left, Golkar Party Ethics Council deputy chairman Akbar Tandjung, Indonesian Political Indicator executive director Burhanuddin Muhtadi, LIPI researcher Siti Zuhro, CSIS researcher Philip J Vermonte and Indonesian Poltracking executive director Hanta Yuda speak on Sunday (10/12) at the National Workshop: Formulating the Renewal and Revival of the Golkar Party. The event discussed the steps Golkar must take to improve its declining image.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Controversy has ensued within the Golkar Party in the wake of e-ID graft suspect Setya Novanto’s decision to step down as House of Representatives Speaker and appoint Aziz Syamsuddin as his replacement. Many are debating the legality of the appointment.

Article 27, Point 2 of Golkar’s internal bylaws (AD/ART) stipulates that the party’s central executive board has the authority to appoint, inaugurate and dismiss leaders within the People’s Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives.