Govt not to Legitimize Golkar's Leaderships

Jakarta (Antara) - The government has decided not to legitimize the Golkar Party's dual leaderships selected by two rival factions. "After considering all aspects, including judicial, facts, and documents submitted, we have reached the conclusion that the ministry of justice should not interfere in this dispute, as it the party's internal matter. So, we cannot make a decision for them," minister of justice and human rights Yasonna Laoly said during a press conference at his office building here on Tuesday. On December 8, 2014, following their election as the party's general chairmen in rival congresses, Aburizal Bakrie and Agung Laksono submitted their respective party structures to the ministry of justice seeking legitimization. "We have asked the party to internally settle the dispute in line with Law Number 24 on Political Parties, which states that in case a dispute occurs over a party board in the highest decision-making forum, a minister should not make a decision until the dispute is settled," he explained. Yasonna remarked the government, however, recognized the two congresses as legitimate. "After studying their documents, we believe the congress in Ancol was legitimate. The congress in Bali was also legitimate. Differences over leadership have arisen and they still continue. According to us, the Golkar had better settle the conflict internally through dialogs first," he noted. (*)