Tonra.News. The political landscape of South Sulawesi is no longer a "safe haven" for the Banyan Tree (Golkar). Once the national powerhouse for the party, the current reality is heartbreaking. That long-standing dominance has crumbled, aggressively shifting into the hands of NasDem under the command of Rusdi Masse (RMS), who is now reportedly building a new powerhouse through PSI.
In the midst of this emergency, Golkar needs more than just a chairman. Golkar needs a savior. And that figure points to one name: Ilham Arief Sirajuddin (IAS).
The Anatomy of Defeat: Why Does Golkar Always Slip Against RMS’s NasDem?
Over the last few terms, South Sulawesi Golkar seems to have lost its compass when facing RMS’s maneuvers. There are systemic weaknesses that must be sharply dissected:
- Failed Territorial Mapping: Golkar has been trapped in the nostalgia of "traditional bases." They felt secure in their old territories, while RMS conducted high-precision guerrilla mapping. While Golkar was busy with internal ceremonies, NasDem pierced the heart of Golkar’s defenses with programs that directly touched the daily needs of the people.
- Legislative Recruitment Blunders: This is the weakest link. Golkar often fails to field the right "fighters" in the right electoral districts. There is a tendency to appoint figures based on elite proximity (internal oligarchy) rather than actual mass bases. Conversely, RMS is highly pragmatic and tactical; he is capable of hijacking potential local figures—even Golkar’s own cadres—to strengthen NasDem’s ranks. The result? Golkar’s seats are falling one by one.
- "Ivory Tower" Politics: South Sulawesi Golkar has recently come across as too exclusive and aristocratic. They wait for the people to come to them, while the opposition has already "picked up the ball." This rigid political style makes young and swing voters feel more comfortable with NasDem’s more agile approach.
IAS: A Humanist Figure with Sharp Political Instincts
Combatting the aggressiveness of RMS—who is now infiltrating through PSI—cannot be done with old methods. Golkar needs a figure like Ilham Arief Sirajuddin, who possesses unique characteristics unmatched by other leaders:
- Mapping and Territorial Expert: IAS is not a "behind-the-desk" politician. He is a "Field Lion." His ability to map power down to the neighborhood level in South Sulawesi was proven during his leadership in Makassar and his victories in various contests. He knows exactly who to place in which Dapil to ensure no votes are wasted.
- A Magnet for Local Figures: IAS’s deeply humanist and humble character makes him easily accepted by all circles. He can reclaim the figures who previously left Golkar because they felt undervalued. IAS is the "glue" capable of uniting factions that have been scattered for years.
- The Antithesis of Pragmatic Politics: Amidst public fatigue with transactional politics, IAS’s humanist approach—listening, embracing, and providing solutions without barriers—is the ultimate weapon. He does not lead with instructions, but with heart.
Reclaiming the Crown of South Sulawesi
The shift of RMS influence toward PSI and the continued dominance of NasDem are real threats that could erase Golkar’s name from the winner’s circle in South Sulawesi. Golkar cannot afford another misstep in choosing a chairman at the upcoming Regional Meeting.
Choosing IAS is a declaration of war against decline. With his experience, emotional maturity, and unrivaled grassroots network, IAS is the only figure capable of launching a counter-attack against the opposition’s dominance. It is time to stop the trend of defeat and make the Banyan Tree lush once again in South Sulawesi.