Somohardjo sounds his retreat

Paul Somohardjo, chairman of Pertjajah Luhur (PL), will start to gradually retreat from the political arena. The PL party will also start the process aimed at electing a new and young chairman who will lead the party when it runs for office at the elections of May 2025. Although Somohardjo announced that he would become the new minister of Home Affairs (Biza), but he may have spoken too soon. “The party council gets to make that decision,” said the PL chairman. The PL party will also get to run the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing. Hendrik Setrowidjojo has been mentioned as the party’s candidate for this position but Somohardjo pointed out that other members of the party are also eying the position. “Nobody knows for sure. Without the party council’s approval there can be no celebrations,” said Somohardjo who added that the party council made it clear to him that his actions at the May 30 signing of the joint venture with the other political parties were out of line. “The chairmen do not get to decide who gets to fill the positions in the new government that is yet to be formed. I want to correct myself. I spoke out of enthusiasm,” said Somohardjo who added that candidates have until 2024 to prove themselves. The new chairman will lead the party to the elections of 2025. “I clearly stated that this would be my last election. You will not see me on stage in 2025. But I will keep leading the party until there is a new chairman.”