Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Golkar party under Agung Laksono rival leadership called for firm sanction against Setya Novanto, the House Speaker charged with gross ethical code violation.
Setya Novanto, a Golkar cadre,is facing investigation by the House Honorary Tribunal (MKD) over alleged haggling of his political power for a share in PT Freeport Indonesia.
The US company which has large copper and gold mines in Papua is seeking to extend its contract which will expire in 2021.
Novanto was accused of using the names of both President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla to convince Freeport that he could secure the approval for the contract extension.
Gusti Iskandar Sukma Alamsyah, chairman of Golkar regional friendship forum, said a meeting attended by 24 regional leaders of Golkar called for the dismissal of Novanto .
"The recommendation has been given to Agung Laksono," Gusti Iskandar told reported here on Wednesday.
Gusti criticized the way of MKD, apparently dominated by Golkar and Novantos supporters, in handling the case of Novanto.
Golkar has been split into two, one under Abu Rizal Bakrie elected in a national congress in Bali and another under Agung Laksono, elected in a national Congress in Ancol, Jakarta.
Gusti said Golkar executive board from the Ancol Congress is set to maintain the partys commitment to reform against any form of anti democracy.
"We strongly warn cadres to observe ethics and moral values in practicing political activities ," he said.
The forum urged for heavy penalty for Setya Novanto, and he should be dismissed from the party, he said.
He said the Novanto case would have bad impact on Golkar with the people losing trust in the party.
Both President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla have expressed disappointment with the way of MKD handing the Novanto ethical case.
The first two sessions, hearing testimonies from Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said and Freeport Indonesias President Director Maroef Sjamsudin were held open and were broadcast live by television bringing hope of transparency in the investigation of the case.
However, when Novanto was in the defense stand the session was closed to the mass media sparking public protests and triggering speculations.(WDY)
