PKS, PDS join forces in Surabaya mayoral election

Nothing is impossible in politics as Muslim-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has formed an unthinkable coalition with Christian-based Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) to nominate Fandi Utomo in the Surabaya mayoral election.
 
Chairman of Surabaya chapter of PKS Ibnu Shobir said his party did not mind joining forces with the PDS despite the ideological difference. He said Surabaya legislative council members from the two parties had proved they could work together.

“I believe PKS supporters and members will not oppose [the coalition]. We are firm in helping Fandi win the election,” Ibnu said as quoted by Antara.

PKS had dropped its support for former Surabaya legislative council member Yulnani, who Ibnu said could accept the party’s change of mind.

Fandi has picked Julius Bustomi, a Navy colonel, as his running mate for the June 2 election. The ticket is nominated by PKS, PDS, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Nahdlatul Ummah Awakening Party (PKNU), which secure 11 seats in the legislative council among them.