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{{Short description|Political party in Indonesia}}
{{distinguish|Berkarya Party|Functional Party of Struggle}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox Indonesian political party
| colorcode          = {{party color|Golongan Karya}}
| abbr               = Golkar
| name_english       = Party of Functional Groups
| name_native        = {{lang|id|Partai Golongan Karya}}
| logo               = Logo Golkar.svg
| leader1_title      = [[Party chair|General Chairman]]
| leader1_name       = [[Bahlil Lahadalia]]
| leader2_title      = Secretary-General
| leader2_name       = {{ill|Muhammad Sarmuji|id|Muhammad Sarmuji}}
| leader3_title      = [[House of Representatives (Indonesia)|DPR]] group leader
| leader3_name       = Muhammad Sarmuji
| slogan             = {{lang|id|Suara Golkar, Suara Rakyat}}<br/>{{small|(Golkar's Voice, People's Voice)}}
| foundation         = 20 October 1964<br/>({{age in years and days|1964|10|20}})
| youth              = AMPG (Golkar Party Young Force)
| women              = KPPG (Golkar Party Women's Corps)
| newspaper          = ''[[Suara Karya]]'' (1971–2016)
| headquarters       = [[Jakarta]]
| membership         = 832,842<ref>{{cite web |title=Partai Golongan Karya |url=http://infopemilu.kpu.go.id/Pemilu/Detail_parpol/detail_parpol/9 |website=[[General Elections Commission|Komisi Pemilihan Umum RI]] |access-date=3 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930170038/https://infopemilu.kpu.go.id/Pemilu/Detail_parpol/detail_parpol/9 |archive-date=30 September 2024}}</ref>
| membership_year    = 2024
| ideology           = {{ubl|class=nowrap|
 |[[Pancasila (politics)|Pancasila]]
 |[[Conservatism]]<ref name=TheEconomist2009/>
 | [[National conservatism]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Images of Malay-Indonesian Identity|year=1997|publisher=OUP|page=101|first=Michael|last=Hitchcock}}</ref>
 |[[Developmentalism]]<ref name="realsource">{{Cite web|url=https://jurnal.untirta.ac.id/index.php/jog/article/download/2674/2090|title=DINAMIKA PARTAI POLITIK DAN POSITIONING IDEOLOGI: STUDI TENTANG PERGESERAN POSITIONING IDEOLOGI PARTAI-PARTAI POLITIK PESERTA PEMILU 2014|publisher=Journal of Governance|language=id}}</ref>
 |[[Pancasila economics]]<ref>https://kabargolkar.com/read/kabar_nasional/17189/refleksi-pemikiran-sistem-ekonomi-pancasila-aburizal-bakrie-kenang-sosok-almarhum-subiakto-tjakrawerdaja</ref><ref>https://mpr.go.id/berita/Sosialisasi-Empat-Pilar-MPR-RI-di-Purbalingga,-Bamsoet-Ajak-Kader-Partai-Golkar-Terapkan-Ekonomi-Pancasila-Atasi-Kesenjangan-Sosial-Ekonomi</ref><ref>https://golkarpedia.com/kadin-usulkan-hari-ekonomi-pancasila-firman-soebagyo-momentum-teguhkan-gotong-royong-dalam-pembangunan/</ref>
 |[[Economic liberalism]]<ref>{{harvnb|Bulkin|2013}}: "Economic development through liberalization is Golkar's chief policy..."</ref>
 |[[Secularism]]|[[Indonesian nationalism]]{{sfn|King|2011|pp=263–266}}<ref name=Bulkin2013/>
<br>'''Historical''':<br>[[Big-tent]]<ref>Editorial of ''Suara Karya'', 1 May 1971</ref><br>[[Anti-communism]]<br>[[Right-wing authoritarianism]]<ref>Editorial of ''Suara Karya'', 1 May 1971</ref><br>[[Indonesian nationalism]]<br>[[Expansionist nationalism]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santoso |first=Aboeprijadi |url=https://www.insideindonesia.org/archive/articles/gerindra-and-greater-indonesia |title=Gerindra and 'Greater Indonesia' |website=Inside Indonesia |date=29 November 2009 |access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref><br>[[New Order (Indonesia)|New Order]] revivalism<br>[[Secularism]]<br>'''Factions:'''<br>[[Ultranationalism]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mietzner |first1=Marcus |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27751535 |title=Comparing Indonesia's Party Systems of the 1950s and the Post-Suharto Era: From Centrifugal to Centripetal Inter-Party Competition |journal=Journal of Southeast Asian Studies |date=2008 |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=431–453 |jstor=27751535 |access-date=2021-07-24 |archive-date=2023-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712093306/https://www.jstor.org/stable/27751535 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| national         =  *[[Advanced Indonesia Coalition]] (2023–present)
*[[Onward Indonesia Coalition]] (2018–2023)
*[[:id:Koalisi Indonesia Hebat|Great Indonesia Coalition]] (2015, 2016–2018)
* [[:id:Koalisi Merah Putih|Red-White Coalition]] (2014–2015, 2016)
* [[List of political parties in Indonesia#Political party coalitions|Joint Secretariat]] (2009–2014)
* [[2009 Indonesian presidential election|JK-Wiranto (Golkar Coalition)]] (2009) 
* [[:id:Koalisi Kebangsaan (2004)|National Coalition]] (2004–2005)
| political_position = [[Centre politics|Centre]]<ref name=Ameliya2023/> to [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]]<ref name="report">''The Report: Indonesia 2008.'' Oxford Business Group. 2008. hlm. 13.</ref><br>'''Historical''':<br>[[Syncreticism|Syncretic]] (''de jure'')<br/>[[Right-wing]] to [[Far-right politics|far-right]] (''de facto'')<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hearman |first1=Vannessa |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14623528.2017.1393943|title=Contesting Victimhood in the Indonesian Anti-Communist Violence and Its Implications for Justice for the Victims of the 1968 South Blitar Trisula Operation in East Java|journal=Journal of Genocide Research |date=2017 |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=512–529 |doi=10.1080/14623528.2017.1393943 |access-date=2021-07-24|archive-date=2023-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006033044/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14623528.2017.1393943 |url-status=live}}</ref><br>'''Factions:'''<br>[[Right-wing]]{{efn|Golkar is generally a [[Center politics|centre]] to [[Center-right politics|centre-right]] secular party, but the party still has [[right-wing politics|right-wing]] factions<ref name="Derbyshire 1990 116">{{cite book|page=116|title=Political Systems Of The World|publisher=Allied Publishers|year=1990|first=J. Denis|last=Derbyshire}}</ref> described as [[New Order (Indonesia)|New Order revivalist]]. But during the New Order, Golkar was described as [[Right-wing politics|right-wing]] to [[Far-right politics|far-right]].}}
| anthem             = {{lang|id|Hymne Partai Golkar}}<br/>{{small|(Golkar Party Hymn)}}<br>{{lang|id|Mars Partai Golkar)}}<br/>{{small|(Golkar Party March)}}
| international      = [[For the Freedom of Nations!]]
| BallNo             = 4
| DPRseats           = {{composition bar|{{DPR RI|Golkar}}|580|hex={{party color|Golongan Karya}}}}
| DPRD1seats         = {{composition bar|365|2372|hex={{party color|Golongan Karya}}}}
| DPRD2seats         = {{Composition bar|2521|17510|hex={{party color|Golongan Karya}}}}
| labour             = {{plainlist|
* [[Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Union|KSPSI]]
* [[:id:Sentral Organisasi Karyawan Swadiri Indonesia|SOKSI]]
* [[KORPRI]] (1971–1999)}}
| website            = {{URL|https://www.partaigolkar.com/}}
}}
The '''Party of Functional Groups''' ({{langx|id|Partai Golongan Karya}}, {{IPA|id|'partaɪ ɡoˈloŋan ˈkarja}}), often known by its abbreviation '''Golkar''' ({{small|Indonesian}}: {{IPA|id|ˈɡolkar|}}), is a [[Centre politics|centre]]<ref name=Ameliya2023/> to [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]]<ref name="report" /> [[big tent]]<ref name=Honna2012/> [[secular]]-[[nationalist]] [[political parties in Indonesia|political party]] in [[Indonesia]]. Founded in 1964 as the '''Joint Secretariat of Functional Groups''' ({{lang|id|Sekretariat Bersama Golongan Karya}}, '''Sekber Golkar'''), it is the oldest extant political party in Indonesia. It first participated in national elections in [[1971 Indonesian legislative election|1971]] as '''Functional Groups'''. Since [[2009 Indonesian legislative election|2009]], it has been the second-largest party in the [[House of Representatives (Indonesia)|House of Representatives]] (DPR), having won 102 seats in the [[2024 Indonesian general election|latest election]].

Golkar served as the [[dominant-party system|ruling political organisation]] during the [[New Order (Indonesia)|New Order]] era under [[Suharto]] from 1971 to 1999, when it was formally reconstituted as a political party to participate in elections. Throughout this period, it held [[far-right]] political positions, maintained a ''[[de facto]]'' [[one-party state]] and supported Suharto's [[authoritarian]] rule. Following the [[Fall of Suharto]] in 1998, the party's dominance weakened, and its share of votes declined in the [[1999 Indonesian legislative election|subsequent legislative election]]. Golkar then joined the governing coalitions of Presidents [[Abdurrahman Wahid]] and [[Megawati Sukarnoputri]]. 

The party regained its position as the largest party in the DPR after winning the [[2004 Indonesian legislative election|2004 legislative election]], and its member [[Jusuf Kalla]] was elected as [[Vice President of Indonesia|vice president]]. In 2009, Golkar nominated Kalla for president, but he was [[2009 Indonesian presidential election|defeated]] by the incumbent [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]] (SBY). When [[Joko Widodo]] (Jokowi) was elected president in 2014, Golkar initially joined the opposing coalition led by [[Prabowo Subianto]], but in 2016, switched its allegiance to the Jokowi administration.<ref>{{cite news |title=Golkar declares support for Jokowi |url=http://www.pressreader.com/indonesia/the-jakarta-post/20160728/281582354994806 |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |date=28 July 2016}}</ref>

In 2024, Golkar finished second in the [[2024 Indonesian general election|legislative election]] and gained 102 seats, the party's best performance following a trend of declining seats since 2009. The party also remains in government as part of the governing [[Advanced Indonesia Coalition]].<ref name="newsGolkar">{{cite news |title=Golkar Teguhkan Komitmen Dukung Pemerintahan Prabowo |url=https://www.kompas.id/artikel/golkar-teguhkan-komitmen-dukung-pemerintahan-prabowo |newspaper=Kompas |date=12 December 2024}}</ref> For 53 years, Golkar has continued to be in government, whether it be as the sole ruling party, or as a junior coalition partner.<ref name="newsGolkar" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Golkar yang Selalu dalam Lingkaran Pemerintahan |url=https://www.kompas.id/baca/utama/2019/12/04/golkar-yang-selalu-dalam-lingkaran-pemerintahan |newspaper=Kompas |date=28 December 2019}}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
[[File:Sekber Golkar.jpg|thumb|200px|Logo of the Joint Secretariat of Functional Groups (Sekber Golkar)]]
In 1959, President [[Sukarno]] introduced his concept of [[Guided Democracy in Indonesia|Guided Democracy]], in which so-called functional groups would play a role in government in place of political parties. The [[Indonesian National Armed Forces]] supported its creation because it believed these groups would balance the growing strength of the [[Communist Party of Indonesia]] (PKI). In 1960, Sukarno awarded sectoral groups such as teachers, the Armed Forces and the [[Indonesian National Police]], workers and artists seats in the [[People's Representative Council|Mutual Cooperation House of Representatives]]. As some of the members of these functional groups were linked to political parties, this gave political influence to the National Armed Forces and by extension the National Police. The TNI then established an anti-PKI trade union, the Central Organization of Indonesian Workers, or Soksi (''Sentral Organisasi Karyawan Swadiri Indonesia''), and used this as the core of an Armed Forces-led Joint Secretariat of Functional Groups, or Sekber Golkar, which was officially established on 20 October 1964.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sejarah Partai Golkar |website=Golkar official site |url=http://www.golkar.or.id/sejarah-partai-golkar}}</ref> By 1968 there were almost 250 organisations under the Sekber umbrella. On 22 November 1969 they were organized into seven main organizations, or Kino (''Kelompok Induk Organisasi''), namely Soksi, Kosgoro (Union of Mutual Cooperation Multifunction Organizations), MKGR (Mutual Assistance Families Association), Gerakan Karya Rakyat (People's Working Movement), Ormas Hankam (Defense and Security Mass Organizations), Professi (professional organizations), and Gerakan Pembangunan (Development Movement).{{sfn|Nishihara|1972|p=17-19}}{{sfn|Ricklefs|2008|p=243}} The Joint Secretariat was one of those organisations moblized against the PKI in the aftermath of the failure of the [[30 September Movement]] in 1965.

===Suharto and Golkar===
In March 1968, General [[Suharto]] was officially elected by the [[People's Consultative Assembly]] (MPR) as Indonesia's second president. Because of his military background, Suharto was not affiliated with any political parties. Suharto had never expressed much interest in party politics. However, if he were to be elected for a second term as president, he needed to align himself with a political party. Originally, Suharto had shown interest in aligning with the [[Indonesian National Party]] (PNI), the party of his predecessor, Sukarno.{{sfn|Elson|2001|p=186}} But in seeking to distance himself from the old regime, Suharto settled on Golkar.

Suharto then ordered his closest associate, [[Ali Murtopo]], to transform Golkar and turn it into an electoral machine. Under Murtopo, and with Suharto's supervision, Golkar was turned from a federation of NGOs into a political party. Under Suharto, Golkar continued to portray itself as a non-ideological entity, without favoritism or political agendas. It promised to focus on "economic development" and "stability" rather than a specific ideological goal.{{sfn|Elson|2001|p=187}} Golkar also began identifying itself with the government, encouraging civil servants to vote for it as a sign of loyalty to the government.

Murtopo claimed that workers were a functional group, which by rights ought to be subsumed under Golkar: "thus all unions were united into a single body answerable to the state. The population was no longer there to be mobilised by political parties, rather, the people were the 'floating mass', or the 'ignorant mass', who needed firm guidance so they would not be lured into politics. In order to "Golkar-ize" the nation, Murtopo sometimes used the military and gangs of young thugs to eliminate political competition.{{sfn|Vickers|2005|p=162}}

Golkar was declared on 4 February 1970, to participate in the [[1971 Indonesian legislative election|1971 legislative elections]]. Suharto's alignment with Golkar paid dividends when Golkar won 62% of the votes and an overwhelming majority in the [[People's Representative Council]] (DPR). The members of the DPR also doubled as members of the MPR, and thus, Suharto was easily re-elected to a second term as president in March 1973.

The 1971 legislative election was a success for Golkar and Suharto. Strengthened by his re-election, Suharto quickly began tightening his grip on Golkar. Control was increased in October 1973 with the implementation of a less democratic and more centralized system headed by a chairman. In October 1978, after his re-election to a 3rd term, Suharto further consolidated his control of Golkar by being elected chairman of the executive board (''Ketua Dewan Pembina''), a position whose authority supersedes even the party chairman. From this position, Suharto had the supreme power in Golkar while leaving the day-to-day running of Golkar to the chairman.

Aside from being dominated by Suharto, Golkar was also an organization dominated by the National Armed Forces. Out of the six people that served as Golkar chairmen during the [[New Order (Indonesia)|New Order]], five had a military background as officers. It was only in the last years of Suharto's rule that [[Harmoko]], a civilian, was elected as Golkar chairman.

===Electoral dominance in the New Order===
[[Image:IndonesianElections.gif|left|250px|thumb|Map of the largest vote share per province in Indonesia's elections from 1971 to 2019 showing the dominance of Golkar (in yellow).]]
Golkar continued to dominate Indonesian politics well beyond the 1971 legislative elections. In subsequent New Order legislative elections, Golkar won 62% ([[1977 Indonesian legislative election|1977]]), 64% ([[1982 Indonesian legislative election|1982]]), 73% ([[1987 Indonesian legislative election|1987]]), 68% ([[1992 Indonesian legislative election|1992]]), and 74% ([[1997 Indonesian legislative election|1997]]). Golkar's dominance was so absolute that for most of the Suharto era, Indonesia was effectively a one-party state. Suharto was able to pass bills without any meaningful opposition, and was able to form a Cabinet which consisted only of Golkar appointees.

After 1973, Suharto banned all political parties except for the [[Indonesian Democratic Party]] (PDI) and the [[United Development Party]] (PPP). These two parties were nominally permitted to contest the reign of Golkar. In practice, however, Golkar permitted only a semblance of competition. Elections were "exercises in controlled aggression", and were ritualized performances of "choice", in which local authorities were to obey directives about Golkar's electoral results in their area. A system of rewards, punishments, and violence meted out by thugs helped to guarantee cooperation across the archipelago, and the perpetual reelection of Golkar.{{sfn|Vickers|2005|p=175}}

After the 1977 and 1997 legislative elections, there were claims of electoral fraud launched by the party, who together with Golkar were the only legal political parties after 1973. There were also claims of Golkar members intimidating the electorate to vote for Golkar.

===After Suharto: ''Reformasi'' and beyond===
{{main|Post-Suharto era}}
With the [[Fall of Suharto]] in [[May 1998 riots of Indonesia|May 1998]], Golkar quickly sought to adapt and reform itself. In July 1998, a Special National Congress was held to elect the next chairman of Golkar. The congress was dogged by protests by both pro-Suharto and anti-Suharto groups. Suharto himself did not come to the congress. In the contest that followed, [[Akbar Tandjung]] emerged as the new chairman of Golkar after beating Army General [[Edi Sudrajat]]. It was the first time that a Golkar chairman was elected democratically rather than appointed by the chairman of the executive board. Under Akbar, the executive board was abolished and replaced by an advisory board which had considerably less authority. Edi Sudrajat, feeling that Golkar was insufficiently cooperative with reform movements, left the party and formed the [[Indonesian Justice and Unity Party]].<ref name="whoswho">''Who's who in Indonesia's political arena'' (1999). p. 277.</ref> In the same time, elements of the [[Pancasila Youth]] that previously supported Golkar formed the [[Patriot Party (Indonesia)|Patriot Party]] led by [[Yapto Soerjosoemarno]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2021 |title=Partai Golongan Karya (Partai Golkar) |url=https://kompaspedia.kompas.id/baca/profil/lembaga/partai-golongan-karya-partai-golkar |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=Kompaspedia |language=id}}</ref>

In 1999, Golkar lost its first democratic legislative election to [[Megawati Sukarnoputri]]'s [[PDI-P]]. Golkar won 20% of the votes and was the runner-up in the legislative elections. Despite losing these elections Golkar was still able to secure Tanjung's election as Head of the DPR. October 1999 would see the MPR assemble for its General Session during which a president and a vice president would be elected. It was widely expected that Golkar would support [[Jusuf Habibie]] in his bid for a full term as president. Before Habibie could be nominated, however, he was required to deliver an accountability speech. Carried over from Suharto, this speech was a report delivered by the President to the MPR at the end of his term that showed how he had adhered to the Broad Lines of State Policy as drafted by the MPR. Under the Constitution, the MPR was responsible for making policies while the president was responsible for implementing them. The MPR rejected Habibie's accountability speech, and it was revealed that some Golkar members had voted against ratifying the speech. Habibie then withdrew his candidacy.

Although PDI-P had won the legislative elections, Golkar joined forces with the Central Axis, a political coalition put together by MPR Chairman [[Amien Rais]], to nominate and successfully secure the election of [[Abdurrahman Wahid]] as president. Golkar, however, was unable to stop the election of Megawati as vice president.

Golkar was rewarded for its support of Wahid by having its members appointed to ministerial positions in [[National Unity Cabinet|Wahid's Cabinet]]. Much like those who had supported Wahid, Golkar would grow disillusioned with Wahid. In April 2000, [[Jusuf Kalla]], a Golkar member who held position as Minister of Industries and Trade was sacked from his position. When Golkar inquired as to why this was done, Wahid alleged it was because of corruption. In July 2001, Golkar, along with its Central Axis allies, held an MPR Special Session to [[Impeachment of Abdurrahman Wahid|replace President Wahid]] with Megawati.

In 2002, members who were dissatisfied with Golkar's abandonment of former president [[Suharto]] including former minister Hartono and Suharto's eldest daughter [[Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana|Tutut Soeharto]] left Golkar and formed the [[Concern for the Nation Functional Party]].

By 2004, the reformist sentiments that had led PDI-P to victory in the 1999 legislative elections had died down. Many Indonesians were disappointed with what Reformasi had achieved thus far and were also disillusioned with Megawati's presidency, enabling Golkar to emerge victorious in the [[2004 Indonesian legislative election|2004 legislative elections]] with 21% of the votes.

Unlike the other political parties who had one person as their presidential candidate from the start, Golkar had five. In April 2004, Golkar held a national convention to decide who would become Golkar's candidate for president. These five were Akbar Tanjung, General [[Wiranto]], Lieutenant-General [[Prabowo]], [[Aburizal Bakrie]], and [[Surya Paloh]]. Akbar won the first round of elections but Wiranto emerged as the winner in the second round. Wiranto chose [[Solahuddin Wahid]] as his running mate.

The [[2004 Indonesian presidential election|2004 Presidential Election]] was held on 5 July. The first round was won by [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]] and Jusuf Kalla who faced Megawati and [[Hasyim Muzadi]] in the September 2004 run-off. Wiranto/Wahid came second and there were allegations of disunity within the party with Akbar not fully supporting Wiranto after losing the nomination.

In August 2004 Golkar formed, with PDI-P, PPP, [[Reform Star Party]] (PBR) and [[Prosperous Peace Party]] (PDS), a national coalition to back Megawati. Further infighting would hamper Golkar in its bid to back Megawati. [[Fahmi Idris]] led a group of Golkar members in defecting and threw their support behind Yudhoyono and Kalla. At the Presidential Run-Off in September 2004, Yudhoyono emerged victorious over Megawati to become Indonesia's 6th president. Yusuf Kalla, who had gone his own way back in April 2004, became vice president.

===2004: Golkar under the Yudhoyono administration===
Although he had overwhelmingly won the presidency, Yudhoyono was still weak in the DPR. His own [[Democratic Party (Indonesia)|Democratic Party]] had only won 7% in the legislative elections and even combined with other parties who had aligned themselves with the new government, they still had to contend with the legislative muscle of Golkar and PDI-P who now intended to play the role of opposition.

With a National Congress to be held in December 2004, Yudhoyono and Kalla had originally backed Head of DPR [[Agung Laksono]] to become Golkar chairman. When Agung was perceived to be too weak to run against Akbar, Yudhoyono and Kalla threw their weight behind Surya Paloh. Finally, when Paloh was perceived to be too weak to run against Akbar, Yudhoyono gave the green light for Kalla to run for the Golkar Chairmanship.

This was a widely controversial move. Up to that point, Yudhoyono had not let members of his administration hold a concurrent position in political parties to prevent the possible abuse of power. There were also complaints by Wiranto who claimed that some months earlier, Yudhoyono had promised to support him if he ran for the Golkar chairmanship.

On 19 December 2004, Kalla became the new Golkar chairman with over 50% of the votes. Akbar, who had expected to win a second term as Golkar chairman, was defeated with 30% of the votes. Agung and Surya, who Yudhoyono and Kalla had backed earlier, became the party vice chairman and the chairman of the advisory board, respectively. Kalla's new appointment as chairman of Golkar significantly strengthened Yudhoyono's government in Parliament and left the PDI-P as the only major opposition party in the DPR. By joining Yudhoyono's government, Golkar members also occupied key positions such as [[Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs|Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs]], allowing the party to influence the administration's economic policies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indonesia: Now the Real Work Begins |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/indonesia-now-the-real-work-begins/ |access-date=2025-11-05 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}</ref>

After being eliminated in the first round of the [[Indonesian presidential election, 2004|2004 Indonesian presidential election]], [[Wiranto]] was "traumatized" by his defeat and decided not to run for the presidency without his own political vehicle. He resigned from Golkar Party in 2006 and established [[People's Conscience Party|Hanura]], targeting voters who had supported him during the 2004 elections.<ref name=":1" /> Meanwhile, Prabowo Subianto who came last in the April 2004 convention also resigned from Golkar on 12 July 2008, forming [[Gerindra Party|Gerindra]] in the process.<ref name=":2" /> During the [[2009 Indonesian presidential election]], the party partnered with Hanura and named [[Jusuf Kalla]] as the presidential candidate with Wiranto as Kalla's running mate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JPNN |url=https://m.jpnn.com/news/golkar-hanura-resmi-usung-jk-wiranto |access-date=2025-11-05 |website=JPNN.com |language=id}}</ref> Kalla said he ran for president for the sake of Golkar's dignity, initially wished to remain as Yudhoyono's vice president but broke off from the coalition after Yudhoyono requested 5 candidates from Golkar to be vetted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Media |first=Kompas Cyber |date=2021-02-22 |title=Cerita Jusuf Kalla "Nekat" Hadapi SBY pada Pilpres 2009 kendati Sadar Pasti Kalah |url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/23/05583861/cerita-jusuf-kalla-nekat-hadapi-sby-pada-pilpres-2009-kendati-sadar-pasti |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231203074145/https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/23/05583861/cerita-jusuf-kalla-nekat-hadapi-sby-pada-pilpres-2009-kendati-sadar-pasti |archive-date=2023-12-03 |access-date=2025-11-05 |work=KOMPAS.com |language=id}}</ref> The pair lost in last place behind [[Megawati Sukarnoputri]] and [[Prabowo Subianto]], securing only 12,41% of the popular vote.

At the 2009 Congress, held in [[Pekanbaru]], [[Aburizal Bakrie]] was elected chairman, winning 269 out of 583 votes, and beating [[Surya Paloh]] into second place. Surya Paloh then went on to establish the National Democratic organization, which in turn established the [[Nasdem Party|National Democratic Party]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Aburizal Bakrie Elected New Golkar Party Chairman; Tommy Suharto Gets No Votes |work=Jakarta Globe |url=http://jakartaglobe.id/archive/aburizal-bakrie-elected-new-golkar-party-chairman-tommy-suharto-gets-no-votes/}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=Surya Paloh told to choose between Golkar, National Democratic |work=Jakarta Post |date=29 July 2011 |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/29/surya-paloh-told-choose-between-golkar-national-democratic.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081402/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/29/surya-paloh-told-choose-between-golkar-national-democratic.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 2014–2024: Leadership dualism and support for the Jokowi administration ===
At the end of 2014, there was dualism in management within Golkar, led by [[Aburizal Bakrie]] from the Bali National Conference and [[Agung Laksono]] from the Jakarta National Conference. In early March 2015, the [[Ministry of Law and Human Rights|Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia]] issued a decree legalizing Golkar led by [[Agung Laksono]]. In April 2015, the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) issued an interim decision to postpone the implementation of a decree issued by the Minister of Law and Human Rights [[Yasonna Laoly]] which legalized the management of the Golongan Karya Party in the Agung Laksono camp. On 10 July 2015, the four judges who heard the case, namely Arif Nurdu'a, Didik Andy Prastowo, Nurnaeni Manurung and Diah Yulidar decided to reject the lawsuit filed by the General Chair of the Golongan Karya Party resulting from the Bali National Conference, [[Aburizal Bakrie]], regarding the dualism of party management. The decision was taken at a deliberation meeting of the Jakarta PTTUN panel of judges. With the reading of the PTUN decision, the management of the Golongan Karya Party which was later recognized by the court was the result of the Bali National Conference led by [[Agung Laksono]] as general chairman and [[Zainudin Amali]] as secretary general.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stefanie |first=Christie |title=PTUN Sahkan Golkar Agung, Ical akan Ajukan Kasasi |url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20150711004353-32-65821/ptun-sahkan-golkar-agung-ical-akan-ajukan-kasasi |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=nasional |language=id-ID}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nugroho |first=Bagus Prihantoro |title=Vonis PTUN Jakarta Dianulir, Agung Laksono Ketum Golkar |url=https://news.detik.com/berita/d-2966086/vonis-ptun-jakarta-dianulir-agung-laksono-ketum-golkar |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=detiknews |language=id-ID}}</ref>

However, in October 2015, the [[Supreme Court of Indonesia|Supreme Court]] granted the appeal filed by Golkar as a result of the Bali National Conference led by Aburizal Bakrie. This leadership dualism began to end when an agreement was reached for reconciliation led by the former General Chair of Golkar and Vice President [[Jusuf Kalla]] in early 2016. The two camps also agreed to hold an extraordinary national meeting (Munaslub) in mid-2016. This leadership dualism officially ended on 17 May 2016 when [[Setya Novanto]] was elected as the new General Chair of the Golongan Karya Party<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 April 2022 |title=Profil Ketua Umum Partai Golkar dari Masa ke Masa Halaman all |url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2022/04/13/06440061/profil-ketua-umum-partai-golkar-dari-masa-ke-masa |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=KOMPAS.com |language=id}}</ref> during the Golkar National Conference in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Setya Novanto then announced that Golkar was now supporting the government of [[Joko Widodo]] despite backed his rival Prabowo Subianto in the [[2014 Indonesian presidential election|2014 presidential election]]. However, due to his corruption cases, Golkar then appointed [[Airlangga Hartarto|Airlangga Hartanto]] as their new chairman, replacing Novanto. Hartanto would later lead Golkar to retain second place during the [[2019 Indonesian general election|2019 election]], albeit with seats loss of 6.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andayani |first=Dwi |title=KPU Tetapkan Hasil Pileg 2019: PDIP-Golkar Peroleh Kursi Terbanyak DPR |url=https://news.detik.com/berita/d-4687911/kpu-tetapkan-hasil-pileg-2019-pdip-golkar-peroleh-kursi-terbanyak-dpr |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=detiknews |language=id-ID}}</ref> Golkar also fully backed Jokowi's reelection bid with Airlangga assures that the party will not be playing both sides unlike the previous election and prioritize the party to win 18% of the vote and Jokowi's victory.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sarwanto |first=Abi |date=28 August 2018 |title=Golkar Jamin Tidak Main Dua Kaki Di Pilpres 2019 |url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20180828021456-32-325363/golkar-jamin-tidak-main-dua-kaki-di-pilpres-2019 |access-date=16 November 2024 |work=[[CNN Indonesia]] |language=id}}</ref> Despite securing second place, the election result shows the worst performance for Golkar throughout its electoral participation since 1971, with only 85 seats while finishing third in popular vote with only 12,1%.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suwiknyo |first=Edi |date=2023-07-24 |title=Diguncang Isu Munaslub, Capaian Suara Golkar Terendah Sejak Pemilu 1971 |url=https://kabar24.bisnis.com/read/20230724/15/1677443/diguncang-isu-munaslub-capaian-suara-golkar-terendah-sejak-pemilu-1971 |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Bisnis.com |language=id}}</ref> In the [[Onward Indonesia Cabinet]], Golkar got 3 ministerial post, with [[Airlangga Hartarto]] appointed as [[Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs]], [[Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita]] as [[Ministry of Industry (Indonesia)|Minister of Industry]],  and [[Zainudin Amali]] as Minister of Youth and Sports.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ramadhan |first1=Ardito |last2=Galih |first2=Bayu |date=October 23, 2019 |title=17 Menteri dan Anggota Kabinet Indonesia Maju dari Partai Politik |url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2019/10/23/12424561/17-menteri-dan-anggota-kabinet-indonesia-maju-dari-partai-politik}}</ref>

Reflecting the results of the 2019 election, Golkar worked to make changes to rebound from the losses in the upcoming [[2024 Indonesian general election|2024 election]]. In ensuring this, Golkar began to diversify their voter base by making overtures to the youth vote through the works from Minister of Youth and Sports [[Dito Ariotedjo]] to attract young voters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2024 |title=Kenapa Suara Golkar Melonjak di Pemilu 2024? |url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20240220120801-617-1064905/kenapa-suara-golkar-melonjak-di-pemilu-2024 |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=[[CNN Indonesia]]}}</ref> Golkar also attracted politicians such as [[Ridwan Kamil]]<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dirgantara |first1=Adhyasta |last2=Prabowo |first2=Dani |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Ridwan Kamil Resmi jadi Kader Golkar: Semua Indah Pada Waktunya |url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2023/01/18/18120501/ridwan-kamil-resmi-jadi-kader-golkar-semua-indah-pada-waktunya |website=Kompas}}</ref> and [[Musa Rajekshah]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=antaranews.com |date=2020-11-06 |title=Musa Rajekshah pimpin Golkar Sumut 5 tahun ke depan |url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/1825584/musa-rajekshah-pimpin-golkar-sumut-5-tahun-ke-depan |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Antara News |language=id}}</ref> famous politicians in their own home provinces, to boost party standings in the election.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taufani |first=Muhammad Reza Ilham |title=3 Senjata Golkar Jadi Bintang Pemilu 2024, Kuasai 14 Provinsi |url=https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/research/20240322135723-128-524496/3-senjata-golkar-jadi-bintang-pemilu-2024-kuasai-14-provinsi |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=CNBC Indonesia |language=id}}</ref> Internally, Airlangga also worked to solidify the party base after a period of conflict between Bakrie and Laksono while continuing the consolidation process which were halted when Novanto was indicted for corruption.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wardi |first=Robertus |date=November 10, 2019 |title=Airlangga Mengaku Berhasil Lakukan Konsolidasi di Tubuh Golkar |url=https://investor.id/national/198966/airlangga-mengaku-berhasil-lakukan-konsolidasi-di-tubuh-golkar |work=Investor.id}}</ref> The leadership election in 2019 saw Hartarto re-elected as chairman unopposed with [[Bambang Soesatyo]] withdrew his candidacy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ghaliya |first=Ghina |date=5 December 2019 |title=It’s official: Airlangga reelected to Golkar’s top post - Politics |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/12/05/its-official-airlangga-reelected-to-golkars-top-post.html |access-date=2025-11-05 |website=The Jakarta Post |language=en}}</ref> 

On 24 July 2023, Airlangga was questioned for 12 hours by the Attorney General's Office regarding to his alleged involvement in the issuance of a ministerial decree that allows three companies to export unprocessed palm oil, contradicting Jokowi's presidential decree that temporarily bans palm oil export.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Arifianto |first=Alexander |date=2023-09-13 |title=Indonesia: Jokowi Takes Advantage Of Turmoil Within Golkar – Analysis |url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/13092023-indonesia-jokowi-takes-advantage-of-turmoil-within-golkar-analysis/ |access-date=2025-11-05 |website=Eurasia Review |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kompas |first=Tim Harian |date=2024-08-13 |title=Airlangga Hartarto dalam Pusaran Kasus Kelapa Sawit |url=https://www.kompas.id/baca/polhuk/2024/08/13/airlangga-hartarto-dalam-pusaran-kasus-kelapa-sawit |access-date=2025-11-05 |website=Kompas.id |language=id}}</ref> Two days ago, [[Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry|Minister of Investment]] [[Bahlil Lahadalia]] declared his intent to run as Golkar's chairmanship, citing claims of concern from party cadres, low ratings in the polls, and the need for change.<ref name=":0" /> Analysts consider this move was partly orchestrated by [[Joko Widodo]] to enforce loyalty towards his preferred successor, may it be [[Prabowo Subianto]] or [[Ganjar Pranowo]], countering his overtures to [[NasDem Party|NasDem]] who nominated [[Anies Baswedan]].<ref name=":0" /> Previously in 2022, Airlangga formed the [[United Indonesia Coalition]] with the [[National Mandate Party]] (PAN) and [[United Development Party]] (PPP) in preparation for the presidential election.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20220513104623-32-796314/golkar-ppp-dan-pan-umumkan-nama-resmi-koalisi-indonesia-bersatu|title=Golkar, PPP dan PAN Umumkan Nama Resmi Koalisi Indonesia Bersatu|author=|date=2022-05-13|work=[[CNN Indonesia]]|location=Jakarta|access-date=2022-05-14}}</ref>

During the 2024 general election, Airlangga's coalition shook when PPP endorsed [[Ganjar Pranowo]] separately,<ref>{{Cite web|last=S|first=Jauh Hari Wawan|title=Resmi! PPP Dukung Ganjar Pranowo Capres 2024|url=https://www.detik.com/jateng/jogja/d-6690847/resmi-ppp-dukung-ganjar-pranowo-capres-2024|website=detikjateng|language=id-ID|access-date=2023-04-27}}</ref> however the coalition dissolved when Airlangga and PAN chairman [[Zulkifli Hasan]] declared support for [[Prabowo Subianto]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Media|first=Kompas Cyber|date=2023-08-13|title=Golkar-PAN Resmi Gabung dengan Gerindra-PKB, Dukung Prabowo di Pilpres 2024|url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2023/08/13/11263141/golkar-pan-resmi-gabung-dengan-gerindra-pkb-dukung-prabowo-di-pilpres-2024|website=KOMPAS.com|language=id|access-date=2023-09-09}}</ref>

==Political identities==
{{Conservatism in Indonesia}}
===Ideology===
The 2008 Law on Political Parties states that political parties are allowed to include specific characteristics that reflect their political aspirations, as long as they do not contradict [[Pancasila (politics)|Pancasila]] and the [[Constitution of Indonesia|1945 Constitution]].<ref>{{harvnb|Saifulloh|2016|pp=178}}: "''Akan tetapi, dalam Undang-Undang No.2 Tahun 2008 Tentang Partai Politik kembali dipertegas bahwa asas dan ciri partai politik merupakan penjabaran dari Pancasila dan UUD 1945.''" Translation: In Law No. 2 of 2008 on Political Parties, it is emphasized that the principles and characteristics of political parties derive from Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.</ref> In March 2023, the then chairman [[Airlangga Hartarto]] described Golkar as a "[[Centrism|centrist]]" party.<ref name=Ameliya2023>{{harvnb|Ameliya|2023}}: "''Ketua Umum DPP Partai Golkar Airlangga Hartarto menyampaikan Partai Golkar bukan merupakan partai agama, melainkan partai tengah...''" Translation: Golkar chairman Airlangga Hartarto clarified that Golkar is a centrist party, not a religious one...</ref><ref name=TJP2023>{{harvnb|The Jakarta Post|2023}}: "Golkar party chair Airlangga Hartarto said on Sunday that the party stood at the center of ideological spectrum..."</ref> Outsider views on the party's political orientation vary. Academics and domestic observers classified it as a nationalist party,<ref>{{harvnb|Lee|Paath|2019}}: "So-called nationalist parties such as the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Prabowo Subianto's political machine the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), Golkar Party..."</ref> while their international counterparts described it as a [[secularism|secular]]-[[Indonesian nationalism|nationalist]]<ref name=Bulkin2013>{{harvnb|Bulkin|2013}}: "Golkar, a large secular-nationalist party, is the oldest operating party in Indonesia."</ref> or [[conservatism|conservative]] party.<ref name=Honna2012/><ref name=TheEconomist2009>{{harvnb|The Economist|2009}}: "...owing to Golkar's conservative stance..."</ref> During the New Order, its [[political spectrum|political leaning]] was described as [[far-right politics|far-right]].<ref name=Vann2021>{{harvnb|Vann|2021}}: "Forging an alliance with the far-right political movement Golkar..."</ref> In the [[Reformasi (Indonesia)|post-Suharto era]], Golkar is now considered a centrist,<ref name=Mietzner2013>{{harvnb|Mietzner|2013|p=46}}: "Moreover, Indonesia has now three pivotal center parties — parties that are deeply rooted in the political center and against whose combined strength it would be difficult to govern. These are PDIP, Golkar, and Partai Demokrat (Democratic Party, PD)."</ref> [[centre-right politics|centre-right]], or [[big tent|catch-all]] party.<ref>{{harvnb|Hwang|2013|p=86}}: "...and the Golkar and Democrat parties, which self-classify as “nationalist-religious,” implying they are friendly to the interests of Muslims. These three parties can be conceptualized as centre-right catch-all parties..."</ref><ref name=Honna2012>{{harvnb|Honna|2012}}: "...but rather was another catch-all political party similar to Golkar: ideologically conservative and religiously centrist."</ref>

===Political positions===
The Golkar parliamentary group in the DPR have expressed their opinions on a few issues:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Bills
! Votes
! Party stances/Other views
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2019
| [[Corruption Eradication Commission|Revision of Law on the Corruption Eradication Commission]]<br />{{small|''RUU KPK''}}
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Thumbs up green with plus sign.svg|25px]]
| 
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2022
| [[Law on Sexual Violence Crimes]]<br />{{small|''RUU TPKS''}}
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Thumbs up green with plus sign.svg|25px]]
| 
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2022
| [[Law on State Capital]]<br />{{small|''RUU IKN''}}
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Thumbs up green with plus sign.svg|25px]]
| 
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2022
| [[2023 Indonesian Criminal Code|Revision of the Indonesian Criminal Code]]<br />{{small|''RUU KUHP''}}
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Thumbs up green with plus sign.svg|25px]]
| 
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | 2023
| [[2023 Omnibus Law on Job Creation|Omnibus Law on Job Creation]]<br />{{small|''RUU Cipta Kerja''}}
| style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Thumbs up green with plus sign.svg|25px]]
| 
|-
|}

===Party platforms===
Under chairman [[Aburizal Bakrie]], the party has produced a blueprint known as "Vision Indonesia 2045: A Prosperous Nation" with the aim of making Indonesia a developed nation by the centenary of the country's independence in 2045. The plan comprises three stages each lasting a decade. The key strategies in the vision comprise developing Indonesia from the villages, strengthening the role of the state, quality economic growth, equalising incomes, ensuring even development in all areas, quality education and healthcare, strengthening communities, sustained economic development, upholding the law and human rights, industrial development based on technology, and revitalization of agriculture and trade.

The first decade would lay the foundations for a developed nation, the second would accelerate development and the final decade would see Indonesia become a developed nation. Each stage would have targets for indicators such as economic growth, GDP, and levels of unemployment and poverty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://partaigolkar.or.id/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Visi-Indonesia-2045-Negara-Kesejahteraan.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421033923/http://partaigolkar.or.id/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Visi-Indonesia-2045-Negara-Kesejahteraan.pdf |title=Visi Negara Kesejahteraan 2045 |publisher=Golkar Party |language=id |archive-date=21 April 2015 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" 
|-
! Indicator !! 2015–2025 !! 2025–2035 !! 2035–2045
|-
| Economic growth|| align=center |8–9%|| align=center |10–11% || align=center |6–7%
|-
|Per capita income|| align=center | US$10,000–12,000 || align=center | US$21,000–23,000|| align=center | US$41,000–43,000
|-
| Unemployment|| align=center |4–6%|| align=center |4%|| align=center |4%
|-
| Poverty ratio|| align=center |5–8%|| align=center |2–3%|| align=center |1–2%
|-
| Life expectancy|| align=center |75|| align=center |78 || align=center |82
|-
| [[Gini ratio]]|| align=center |0.35|| align=center |0.31 || align=center |0.28
|-
| [[Human Development Index]]|| align=center |0.80|| align=center |0.86|| align=center |0.91
|}

===Organisation and factions===
During the New Order Golkar was formally divided into seven (eight since 1971) organizations, called Main Organization Groups ({{lang|id|Kelompok Induk Organisasi}}), or KINO. These were:{{sfn|Nishihara|1972|p=17-19}}{{sfn|Ricklefs|2008|p=243}}
*the Trikarya, consisting of:
**Central Indonesian Workers' Organization ({{lang|id|Sentral Organisasi Karyawan Swadiri Indonesia}}, SOKSI/CIWO);
**Mutual Cooperation Multifunction Organizations' Union ({{lang|id|Kesatuan Organisasi Serbaguna Gotong Royong}}, KOSGORO);
**Mutual Assistance Families Association ({{lang|id|Musyawarah Kekeluargaan Gotong Royong}}, MKGR);
*Indonesian People's Working Movement ({{lang|id|Gerakan Karya Rakyat Indonesia}}, GAKARI/IPWM);
*the Defense and Security Mass Organizations ({{lang|id|Organisasi Kemasyarakatan Pertahanan dan Keamanan}}, Ormas Hankam/DSMOs);
*professional organizations ({{lang|id|Golongan Profesi}});
*the Development Movement ({{lang|id|Gerakan Pembangunan}});
*and, since its establishment by Presidential decree in 1971, the [[KORPRI|Employees' Corps of the Republic of Indonesia]] ({{lang|id|Korps Pegawai Republik Indonesia}}, KORPRI).

However, Golkar during this era was also ''de facto'' divided into three factions:

*The [[Indonesian National Armed Forces|ABRI]] faction: Consisted of members of the Indonesian armed forces (ABRI) who under Suharto played a dominant role in political affairs. This faction was headed by the ABRI Commander and was commonly known as the A faction. Until 1999, constables of the National Police were included as members of the National Armed Forces and with similar military training as the rest of the Forces. The ''Ormas Hankam'' was, as a general rule, supportive of the Armed Forces faction. It provided much of the military representation in the People's Consultative Assembly.
*The Bureaucrats (''Birokrat'') faction: Consisted of KORPRI members—which are ''de jure'' all civil servants; non-civil servant public officers; employees of state-, provincial- and municipal-owned enterprises; and ABRI service personnel employed by the government. This faction was headed by the Home Affairs Minister and was commonly known as the B faction.
*The Groups (''Utusan Golongan'') faction: Consisted of Golkar members who were neither armed forces service personnel nor the bureaucracy. This faction was headed by the Golkar Chairman and was commonly known as the G faction. Its composition was made up of members of the other organizations that are part of the party.

These three factions worked closely together to gain consensus and in the case of nominating a presidential candidate it was the heads of these three factions who went to inform the candidate (which until 1998 was Suharto) that he had just been nominated as Golkar's presidential candidate. The three factions did not always work together however. In 1988, the ABRI faction was unable to nominate [[Sudharmono]] as vice president. The factions disappeared along with the fall of the New Order.

== Leadership structure ==
The following leadership structure of the party are as follows (2024–2029).<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Setuningsih |first1=Novianti |last2=Chaterine |first2=Rahel Narda |date=7 November 2024 |title=Susunan Lengkap Kepengurusan DPP Partai Golkar Periode 2024–2029 |url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2024/11/07/19565941/susunan-lengkap-kepengurusan-dpp-partai-golkar-periode-2024-2029?page=all |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=Kompas}}</ref>

'''General Chairperson of the Party:''' [[Bahlil Lahadalia]]

'''Deputy Chairman'''

* Deputy General Chairperson for Party Affairs; Kahar Muzakir
* Deputy General Chairperson for Inter-Organizational Relations: [[Bambang Soesatyo]]
* Deputy General Chairperson for Functional Public Policy 1: [[Adies Kadir]]
* Deputy General Chairperson for Functional Public Policy 2: [[Idrus Marham]]
* Deputy General Chairperson for Electoral Function 1: [[Ace Hasan Syadzily]]
* Deputy General Chairperson for Electoral Function 2: [[Meutya Hafid]]
* Deputy General Chairperson for Electoral Victory – Sumatra: Ahmad Doli Kurnia
* Deputy General Chairperson for Electoral Victory – Java and Kalimantan: Whaji
* Deputy General Chairperson for Electoral Victory – East Indonesia: Emanuel Melkies Laka Lena

'''Party Affairs'''

* Leader of Organizational Affairs: Yahya Zaini
* Leader of Caderization and Membership Affairs: Zulfikar Arse Sadikin
* Leader of Ideological Strengthening and Functional Affairs: Panggah Susanto

==Chairpersons==
[[File:Wahono, Gedung MPR DPR RI - Sejarah dan Perkembangannya, pXVI.jpg|thumb|100px|Wahono]]
[[File:Harmoko, 25 Tahun Pembangunan Pemerintah Orde Baru.jpg|thumb|100px|Harmoko]]
*Brig. Gen. Djuhartono (1964–1969)
*Maj. Gen. Suprapto Sukowati (1969–1973)
*Maj. Gen. [[Amir Murtono]] (1973–1983)
*Lt. Gen. [[Sudharmono]] (1983–1988)
*Lt. Gen. [[Wahono]] (1988–1993)
*[[Harmoko]] (1993–1998)
*[[Akbar Tandjung]] (1998–2004)
*[[Jusuf Kalla]] (2004–2009)
*[[Aburizal Bakrie]] (2009–2014)
*''Disputed between [[Aburizal Bakrie]] and [[Agung Laksono]] (2014–2016)''
*[[Setya Novanto]] (2016–2017)
*[[Airlangga Hartarto]] (2017–2024)
*[[Bahlil Lahadalia]] (2024–present)

==Election results==
===Legislative election results===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Election
! Ballot number
! Total seats won
! Total votes
! Share of votes
! Seat change
! Outcome of election
! Party leader
|-
! [[1971 Indonesian legislative election|1971]]
! 5
| {{Composition bar|236|360|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 34,348,673
| 62.80%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kpu.go.id/index.php/pages/detail/2018/9/PEMILU-1971/MzQz|title=Pemilu 1971 – KPU|publisher=[[General Elections Commission (Indonesia)|Komisi Pemilihan Umum Republik Indonesia]]|date=21 February 2008|access-date=1 August 2018|language=id|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427090539/https://www.kpu.go.id/index.php/pages/detail/2018/9/PEMILU-1971/MzQz|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| {{increase}}236 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing group'''}}
| Suprapto Sukowati
|-
! [[1977 Indonesian legislative election|1977]]
! 2
| {{Composition bar|232|360|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 39,750,096
| 62.11%<ref name="PemiluOrba">{{cite web|url=http://www.kpu.go.id/index.php/pages/detail/2017/10/PEMILU-1977-1997/MzQz|title=Pemilu 1977–1997 – KPU|publisher=[[General Elections Commission (Indonesia)|Komisi Pemilihan Umum Republik Indonesia]]|date=21 February 2008|access-date=1 August 2018|language=id|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427090605/https://www.kpu.go.id/index.php/pages/detail/2017/10/PEMILU-1977-1997/MzQz|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| {{decrease}}4 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing group'''}}
| [[Amir Murtono]]
|-
! [[1982 Indonesian legislative election|1982]]
! 2
| {{Composition bar|242|360|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 48,334,724
| 64.34%<ref name="PemiluOrba"/>
| {{increase}}10 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing group'''}}
| Amir Murtono
|-
! [[1987 Indonesian legislative election|1987]]
! 2
| {{Composition bar|299|400|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 62,783,680
| 73.11%<ref name="PemiluOrba"/>
| {{increase}}57 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing group'''}}
| [[Sudharmono]]
|-
! [[1992 Indonesian legislative election|1992]]
! 2
| {{Composition bar|282|400|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 66,599,331
| 68.10%<ref name="PemiluOrba"/>
| {{decrease}}17 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing group'''}}
| [[Wahono]]
|-
! [[1997 Indonesian legislative election|1997]]
! 2
| {{Composition bar|325|400|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 84,187,907
| 74.51%<ref name="PemiluOrba"/>
| {{increase}}43 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing group'''}}
| [[Harmoko]]
|-
! [[1999 Indonesian legislative election|1999]]
! 33
| {{Composition bar|120|500|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 23,741,749
| 22.46%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kpu.go.id/index.php/pages/detail/2008/11/Pemilu-1999|title=Pemilu 1999 – KPU|publisher=[[General Elections Commission (Indonesia)|Komisi Pemilihan Umum Republik Indonesia]]|date=21 February 2008|access-date=1 August 2018|language=id}}</ref>
| {{decrease}}205 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing coalition'''}}
| [[Akbar Tandjung]]
|-
! [[2004 Indonesian legislative election|2004]]
! 20
| {{Composition bar|128|550|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 24,480,757
| 21.58%<ref name="Pileg04">{{cite web|url=http://kpu.go.id/dmdocuments/modul_1d.pdf|title=Bab V – Hasil Pemilu – KPU|publisher=[[General Elections Commission (Indonesia)|Komisi Pemilihan Umum Republik Indonesia]]|access-date=1 August 2018|language=id}}</ref>
| {{increase}}8 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing coalition'''}}
| Akbar Tandjung
|-
! [[2009 Indonesian legislative election|2009]]
! 23
| {{Composition bar|106|560|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 15,037,757
| 14.45%<ref name="Pileg04"/>
| {{decrease}}22 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing coalition'''}}
| [[Jusuf Kalla]]
|-
! rowspan="2" |[[2014 Indonesian legislative election|2014]]
! rowspan="2" |5
| rowspan="2" |{{Composition bar|91|560|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| rowspan="2" |18,432,312
| rowspan="2" |14.75%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/berita_indonesia/2014/05/140509_rekapitulasi_kpu|title=KPU sahkan hasil pemilu, PDIP nomor satu|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=10 May 2014|access-date=1 August 2018|language=id}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |{{decrease}}15 seats 
| {{no2|'''Opposition''' (2014–2016)}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Aburizal Bakrie]]
|-
| {{yes2|'''Governing coalition''' (2016–2019)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://jakartaglobe.id/news/new-golkar-chairman-confirms-support-jokowi-2019-presidential-election/ |title=New Golkar Chairman Confirms Support for Jokowi in 2019 Presidential Election |newspaper=Jakarta Globe}}</ref>}}
|-
! [[2019 Indonesian general election|2019]]
! 4
| {{Composition bar|85|575|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 17,229,789
| 12,31%<ref>{{cite news |author=Zunita Putri |title=KPU Tetapkan Hasil Pileg 2019: PDIP Juara, Disusul Gerindra-Golkar |url=https://news.detik.com/berita/d-4557803/kpu-tetapkan-hasil-pileg-2019-pdip-juara-disusul-gerindra-golkar |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=Detik.com |date=21 May 2019|language=id}}</ref>
| {{decrease}}6 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing coalition'''}}
| [[Airlangga Hartarto]]
|-
! [[2024 Indonesian general election|2024]]
! 4
| {{Composition bar|102|580|hex={{party color|Golkar}}}}
| 23,208,654
| 15.29%
| {{increase}}17 seats
| {{yes2|'''Governing coalition'''}}
| Airlangga Hartarto
|}

===Presidential election results===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Election
! Ballot number
! Pres. candidate
! Running mate
! 1st round<br />{{small|(Total votes)}}
! Share of votes
! Outcome
! 2nd round<br />{{small|(Total votes)}}
! Share of votes
! Outcome
|-
! [[2004 Indonesian presidential election|2004]]
! 1
| '''[[Wiranto]]'''
| [[Salahuddin Wahid]]
| 26,286,788
|align=center| 22.15%
| {{no2|Eliminated}}
| colspan="3" {{no2|Runoff}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/84388/koalisi-parpol-pendukung-mega-hasyim-dideklarasikan|title=Koalisi Parpol Pendukung Mega-Hasyim Dideklarasikan|date=19 August 2004|access-date=4 August 2018|work=Liputan6.com|language=id}}</ref>
|-
! [[2009 Indonesian presidential election|2009]]
! 3
| '''[[Jusuf Kalla]]'''
| [[Wiranto]]
| 15,081,814
|align=center| 12.41%
| {{no2|Lost}}
| rowspan=4 colspan="3" style="background:gray;"|
|-
! [[2014 Indonesian presidential election|2014]]
! 1
| [[Prabowo Subianto]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.voaindonesia.com/a/parpol-dukung-pasangan-prabowo-hatta-dalam-pilpres/1917769.html|title=6 Parpol Dukung Pasangan Prabowo-Hatta dalam Pilpres|last=Wardah|first=Fathiyah|date=19 May 2014|access-date=1 August 2018|work=[[Voice of America Indonesia]]|language=id}}</ref>
| [[Hatta Rajasa]]
| 62,576,444
|align=center| 46.85%
| {{no2|Lost}}
|-
! [[2019 Indonesian general election|2019]]
! 1
| [[Joko Widodo]]
| [[Ma'ruf Amin]]
| 85,607,362
|align=center| 55.50%
| {{yes2|Elected}}
|-
! [[2024 Indonesian presidential election|2024]]
! 2
| [[Prabowo Subianto]]
| [[Gibran Rakabuming Raka]]
| 96,214,691
|align=center| 58.59%
| {{yes2|Elected}}
|}
''Note: Bold text indicates the party member''

== See also ==
* {{Portal inline|Indonesia}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite news |last=Ameliya |first=Tri Meilani |editor-last=Setiawan |editor-first=Agus |url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3448059/airlangga-partai-golkar-adalah-partai-tengah |title=Airlangga: Partai Golkar adalah partai tengah |trans-title=Airlangga: Golkar is a center party |website=[[Antara (news agency)|Antara]] |language=id |date=19 March 2023 |access-date=18 January 2024 }}
* {{Cite web |last=Bulkin |first=Nadia |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2013/10/indonesias-political-parties?lang=en |title=Indonesia's Political Parties |website=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]] |date=24 October 2013 |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814010312/https://carnegieendowment.org/2013/10/24/indonesia-s-political-parties-pub-53414 |archive-date=14 August 2021 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite book |last=Elson |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Elson |title=Suharto: A Political Biography |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2001 |isbn=0-521-77326-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ElTYvtijU6AC }}
* {{Cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Christian |last2=Paath |first2=Carlos K. Y. |url=https://jakartaglobe.id/context/how-different-are-political-parties-in-indonesia-from-one-another |title=How Different Are Political Parties in Indonesia From One Another? |website=[[Jakarta Globe]] |date=31 May 2019 |access-date=16 December 2023 }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Honna |first=Jun |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23752520 |title=Inside the Democrat Party: power, politics and conflict in Indonesia's Presidential Party |journal=South East Asia Research |date=December 2012 |language=en |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=473–489 |doi=10.5367/sear.2012.0125 |jstor=23752520 |url-access=subscription }}
* {{Cite book |last=Hwang |first=Julie Chernov |editor-last=Williams |editor-first=Michelle Hale |url=https://www.routledge.com/The-Multicultural-Dilemma-Migration-Ethnic-Politics-and-State-Intermediation/Williams/p/book/9780415631235 |title=The Multicultural Dilemma: Migration, Ethnic politics, and State Intermediation |chapter=Islamic identity, yes, Islamist parties, no: The mainstreaming of political Islam and its challenge for Islamist parties |chapter-url= |publisher=Routledge |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-203-08277-5 |url-access=subscription}}
* {{Cite book |surname=King |given=Blair A. |chapter=Chapter 4. Government and Politics |editor1=Frederick, William H. |editor2=Worden, Robert L. |title=Indonesia: A Country Study |series=Area handbook series, 39 |others=Library of Congress, Federal Research Division |edition=6th |place=Washington, DC |publisher=[[U.S. Government Printing Office]] |year=2011 |pages=225–306 |chapter-url={{Google books|id=6dgmXWMgWcwC|plainurl=y|page=225}}|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6dgmXWMgWcwC |isbn=978-0-8444-0790-6}}
* {{Cite book |last=Mietzner |first=Marcus |title=Money, Power, and Ideology: Political Parties in Post-Authoritarian Indonesia |series=Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) - Southeast Asia |publisher=[[NUS Press]] |year=2013 |isbn=978-997-1697-99-0}}
* {{Cite book |last=Nishihara |first=Masashi |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924023296092&view=1up&seq=3 |title=Golkar and the Indonesian elections of 1971 |publisher=Modern Indonesia Project, Cornell University |year=1972 |isbn=978-0877630043 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Ricklefs |first=M. C. |author-link=M. C. Ricklefs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0AAdBQAAQBAJ |title=A History of Modern Indonesia Since {{circa|1200}} |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2008 |edition=revised |isbn=978-1137052018 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{Cite journal |last=Saifulloh |first=Putra Perdana Ahmad |url=https://journal.unnes.ac.id/nju/index.php/pandecta/article/view/9276 |trans-title=The obligation of political parties to embrace the ideology of Pancasila: examined from the principles of the rule of law in Indonesia |title=Kewajiban Partai Politik Berideologi Pancasila Ditinjau dari Prinsip-Prinsip Negara Hukum Indonesia |journal=Pandecta Research Law Journal |date=December 2016 |language=id |volume=11 |issue=2 |doi=10.15294/pandecta.v11i2.9276 |doi-broken-date=12 July 2025 }}
* {{Cite news |author=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/news/2009/03/24/indonesias-election |title=Indonesia's election |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |date=24 March 2009 |access-date=23 March 2024 }}
* {{Cite news |author=The Jakarta Post |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2023/03/19/golkar-is-a-center-party-airlangga-says.html |title=Golkar is a 'center' party, Airlangga says |website=[[The Jakarta Post]] |date=19 March 2023 |access-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320021955/https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2023/03/19/golkar-is-a-center-party-airlangga-says.html |archive-date=20 March 2023 |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite web |last=Vann |first=Michael G. |author-link=Michael G. Vann |url=https://jacobin.com/2021/09/indonesia-sukarno-suharto-communists-genocide-dictatorship-corruption |title=Indonesia Still Hasn't Escaped Suharto's Genocidal Legacy |website=[[Jacobin]] |date=29 September 2021 |access-date=2 March 2024 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Vickers |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Vickers |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RWrm7tPzs1AC |title=A History of Modern Indonesia |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-1139447614 }}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |surname=Tomsa |given=Dirk |title=Party Politics and Democratization in Indonesia: Golkar in the post-Suharto era |series=Routledge contemporary Southeast Asia series  |place=London; New York |publisher=Routledge |year=2008 |format=2010 Online version |isbn=978-041-557-429-7 |url=https://www.routledge.com/Party-Politics-and-Democratization-in-Indonesia-Golkar-in-the-post-Suharto-era/Tomsa/p/book/9780415574297?srsltid=AfmBOooG0Jsuc29k3XUV2vg5swyVpJmqeomCbJdKp0d-y_djsNEBPkz8}}

==External links==
* [http://partaigolkar.com/ Official site] {{in lang|id}}
* {{cite news|url=http://www.suaramerdeka.com/harian/0412/20/nas02.htm |title=Golkar Kembali Berkuasa Pasca-Orde Baru (article on the politicking leading up to Kalla's election as Golkar Chairman) |publisher=Suara Merdeka |date=20 December 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402121625/http://www.suaramerdeka.com/harian/0412/20/nas02.htm |archive-date=2 April 2017|language=id}}
* {{cite news|url=http://www.tempo.co.id/majalah/free/pilpres/wir-1.html |title=Asam di Gunung, Garam di Laut |newspaper=Tempo |language=id |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305131659/http://tempo.co.id/majalah/free/pilpres/wir-1.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead  }}

{{Indonesian political parties}}
{{Indonesia's New Order}}

[[Category:1964 establishments in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Anti-communist parties]]
[[Category:Conservatism in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Conservative parties in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Nationalist parties in Indonesia]]
[[Category:New Order (Indonesia)]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1964]]
[[Category:Political parties in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Right-wing politics in Indonesia]]
[[Category:National conservative parties]]
[[Category:Liberal conservative parties]]