Golkar leadership outcome may help Indonesia's Jokowi

Significance

The congress was brought forward to accommodate the schedule of President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, who will now attend the opening ceremony. Marred by corruption scandals and rifts over leadership, Golkar will use the congress to convey an image of unity to voters.

Impacts

• A Laksono-aligned leader is likely to be less obstructionist towards Jokowi than a Bakrie-aligned figure.
• Prabowo's ability to oppose Jokowi in parliament and in 2019 would diminish if the Bakrie camp loses.
• Golkar party indiscipline will not end at the congress.