DENPASAR, BALINEWS — Bali Golkar Party chairman I Gede Sumarjaya Linggih, widely known as Demer, has stressed the importance of internal unity as the party prepares for the 2029 general election.
Demer made the remarks during the inauguration of the Bali Golkar Party provincial executive board and the party’s regency and city-level executives across Bali at the World Peace Gong in Denpasar on Saturday (Oct. 3, 2026).
Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia and several members of the Red and White Cabinet attended the event.
Bahlil, who also serves as Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition, was accompanied by Golkar Secretary-General and Industry Minister Muhammad Sarmuji, Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Maman Abdurrahman, Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Christina Aryani, and House of Representatives member Puteri Komarudin.
During the event, Demer said the composition of the new party leadership had been determined after considering several factors, including the track records, capabilities and commitment of prospective cadres to maintaining party unity.
He said some potential cadres could not be accommodated in the new structure because the party needed a team capable of moving together toward its political targets in 2029.
“If there are concerns, the pace will also be slower. Therefore, some who may have had less achievement in the past should first learn, improve their performance, or learn from those who are moving forward with the organization,” Demer said.
Demer compared the party to a boat that must move in the same direction to reach its destination in 2029.
“This boat has to move toward its destination in 2029. No one should be rowing backward,” he said.
He also warned against actions that could undermine the party from within.
“I don't want anyone to try to make a hole in the boat along the way. That is something I will not allow. Therefore, I am working to ensure that Golkar Bali remains solid going forward,” Demer said.
To prepare for the 2029 election, Demer said Bali Golkar was focusing on four key areas: human resources, networks, management and logistics.
He said the party had begun strengthening its human resources and grassroots networks. Meanwhile, organizational management would increasingly rely on digital systems.
“Management will also be improved through digital systems, including planning, organizing, action and controlling,” he said.
Demer said technological developments, including artificial intelligence, would also need to be taken into account in the party's organizational management.
“We will try to use digital systems because, whether we like it or not, we have entered that era. Digitalization makes it much easier for us to conduct studies and analysis,” he said.
However, Demer said logistics remained an important area that needed further strengthening. He called on the Golkar central leadership to consider providing additional support for Bali.
“The fourth factor, which is no less important and which the chairman often emphasizes, is logistics. Logistics can sometimes become a major factor in success,” Demer said.
He said Bali Golkar had made preparations in terms of personnel, networks and management, while logistics would require further attention.
Demer also emphasized Golkar's position as an open political party and encouraged younger generations, including members of Generation Z, to become involved in the organization.
“To those from Generation Z, I hope you will work hard, serve the organization and learn how to organize properly,” he said.
He also highlighted Bahlil's political journey as an example of how Golkar could provide opportunities to people from different backgrounds.
Demer referred to Bahlil's experience as a former angkot, or public minibus, driver before becoming Golkar chairman and a government minister.
“That means Golkar does not close the door to anyone. If someone from eastern Indonesia can do it, why can't someone from Bali?” Demer said.
Demer urged all Bali Golkar cadres to continue working, serving the public and strengthening the organization as the party prepares for the 2029 election.
He said maintaining internal unity would remain an important part of the party's efforts to achieve its organizational and electoral objectives in the years ahead.
