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JAKARTA : Indonesia has kicked off a nine-month campaign for the parliamentary elections in April next year. And the country's biggest and most influential party - Golkar - is determined to extend its dominance.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, its party chief, Jusuf Kalla - who is also the country's vice president - said its main challenge is to convince the Indonesian public that the current government, with Golkar as a major partner, has delivered on its promises.
Golkar is under pressure from within and outside the party. And the man in the hot seat is Mr Kalla, as he steers the most dominant party in Indonesia in the upcoming general election.
He became Golkar's chairman after he won the vice presidency, with Democrat Party founder Susilo Bambang Yudhonoyo as president. Now the fate of his party is intertwined with the government - whose popularity has plunged after it increased fuel prices.
Mr Kalla said, "Golkar's problem is how to convince people that this is a good government because Golkar and Democrat Party are the government. People will choose Golkar if the government has delivered. We have to work hard and (the) condition now is better than before. People will pick Golkar if that is their perception."
Golkar wants to capture 30 per cent of the votes - up from 21 per cent in the 2004 election - which will give it a louder voice in parliament and a stronger say in determining the country's next president.
That target is now in doubt after Golkar lost several local provincial elections or Pilkada that involved the same electorates who will vote in the parliamentary election.
However, Mr Kalla remains confident of Golkar's formidable grassroots support.
He said, "We realised we've lost in several places. But Pilkada is also different from general elections. In Pilkada, people picked individuals. In general elections, they pick the party. (There's) a big difference."
Golkar is also facing internal challenges. Party stalwart and former chairman Akhbar Tanjung is building alliances with other parties, while senior leaders Wiranto and Prabowo Subianto have left to set up their own political parties. Both retired generals are also expected to vie for the presidency.
However, Mr Kalla is unperturbed.
He said, "Certainly, they will bring with them Golkar's cadres and supporters. But experience shows this will not cause too much impact. Since 2004, only one party formed by retired generals has succeeded so far - and that is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Others have not had much success. That is why these days, it is not easy to influence people with just promises."
Mr Kalla believes the economy and people's welfare will be the determining factors in this election after Indonesia successfully settles its security issues and internal conflicts. He stressed this is where Golkar's experience and track record counts.
Despite the worrying signs, Golkar believes it will do well in this election. It is focused on getting a Golkar man take over as President of Indonesia - which many speculate could be Mr Kalla.
The party also wants to consolidate its position in parliament. So all eyes on are on Mr Kalla as he leads Golkar to achieve its twin objectives. - CNA/ms
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