Aceh – Indonesia, The Regional Executive Board (DPD) of the Golkar Party in Aceh has emphasized that the Central Executive Board (DPP) Chairman’s discretion granted to four candidates for the regency/city leadership does not serve as an automatic ticket to the chairman position.
The four cadres receiving this discretion are Muhammad Amin to run for Chairman of DPD Golkar Bener Meriah, Kamalul in South Aceh, Ilham Pangestu in East Aceh, and Fajri Munte for Subulussalam City.
Daily Chairman of DPD Golkar Aceh, Khalid, stated that the candidates are still required to meet all other prerequisites, including securing a minimum of 30 percent support and fulfilling administrative requirements.
“This discretion does not automatically make them the chairman. They must still fulfill other prerequisites, such as gaining at least 30 percent support, alongside other administrative criteria,” Khalid said on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
According to him, the discretion was granted because certain requirements outlined in Golkar Party’s Statutes and Bylaws (AD/ART) could not be met by these specific candidates.
This discretion, Khalid explained, serves as the legal basis enabling these cadres to still register their candidacy in the Regional Conference (Musda).
“When certain requirements cannot be met, the General Chairman holds the right to grant dispensations or discretion, which subsequently fulfills those requirements so they can register as candidates,” he stated.
Khalid explained that Ilham Pangestu received discretion after previously serving two terms in Langsa City. Under Golkar’s internal rules, that term duration reached the limit for re-running in the same region.
Therefore, Ilham received a special assignment to contest in the Golkar East Aceh Regional Conference.
“To secure a third term, a special assignment is required. Hopefully, Mr. Ilham’s special assignment will break the ice and secure a seat,” Khalid said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Amin was granted discretion due to educational requirement constraints. Khalid noted that Amin has an impressive track record as a cadre, but educational criteria remain an official organizational requirement.
A similar condition was experienced by Kamalul. According to Khalid, Kamalul boasts strong political achievements by increasing Golkar’s seats in the region, yet he still faced issues regarding educational credentials.
Likewise, Fajri Munte also received a dispensation regarding educational requirements.
Despite obtaining discretion, Khalid reiterated that all four candidates must still actively compete in the Musda arena to rally support and win the election process.
“Even though the central leadership provided discretion and dispensations, these candidates do not automatically become chairpersons. They must meet the criteria and even fight for votes on the conference floor,” he emphasized.
He added that DPD Golkar Aceh merely recommended the names of candidates deemed to require discretion, while the final authority to grant it lies entirely with the central leadership of Golkar Party.
“The final decision rests entirely with the DPP, and we cannot intervene at all,” he remarked.
Khalid also clarified the misconception that every candidate for Regency/City DPD Golkar Chairman must obtain discretion.
According to him, discretion is only granted to candidates who have not met one or more specific qualifications as stipulated in organizational rules.
“In this regard, Golkar is very consistent and strict regarding the regulations for becoming a chairman candidate,” he said.
Meanwhile, DPD Golkar Aceh will proceed with its consolidation phases and the Regency/City Regional Conferences.
The conferences are scheduled to begin in Southeast Aceh on October 8, followed by Central Aceh on October 10, Bener Meriah on October 11, and Lhokseumawe City on October 12, 2026.***