Golkar Confirms Bahlil Not Running for President in 2029, Eyes Papua Legislative Seat

Golkar Party Secretary General M. Sarmuji has officially confirmed that the party's chairman and current minister, Bahlil Lahadalia, will not be a presidential candidate in the upcoming 2029 elections. Sarmuji revealed that Bahlil intends to run as a legislative candidate from the Papua region. "Mr. Bahlil wants to be a legislative candidate from Papua. Mr. Bahlil has conveyed his plan to run for legislative election in a party meeting," Sarmuji told reporters on Sunday (20/9/2026). Sarmuji elaborated on Bahlil's reasoning for aspiring to a legislative position, explaining that it stems from a desire to take responsibility for the Golkar Party's increase in parliamentary seats. "He wants to set an example for other ministers from Golkar to also take responsibility for the increase in seats in Parliament," he stated. The prospect of Bahlil not running for president had been hinted at previously. PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) had humorously remarked during a PAN party event that both he and Bahlil would not be presidential candidates. These comments were made during a speech at PAN's 28th anniversary celebration in Jakarta on Friday (18/9), where Zulhas underscored their shared support for President Prabowo Subianto's ambitions. This announcement represents a significant development in the early stages of candidate selection for Indonesia's next presidential election. Bahlil Lahadalia's potential candidacy from Papua could underscore the region's growing political importance and the government's commitment to national integration. Observers will be watching how Bahlil leverages his ministerial experience to contribute to regional politics.