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PDI-P holds coalition talks with prospective partners
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which is considered one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming legislative election on April 9, says that it is in talks with other political parties over forming a potential coalition
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he Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which is considered one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming legislative election on April 9, says that it is in talks with other political parties over forming a potential coalition.
The party has confirmed, however, that any coalition would not involve political bargaining or lobbying.
PDI-P secretary-general Tjahjo Kumolo said his party did not aim to establish a coalition like the the current administration.
"A coalition with too many parties disrupts the administration's performance. Just look at the current Setgab [joint secretariat]. It just doesn't work," Tjahjo told reporters from the party's latest stop on its campaign trail, Malang in East Java, on Monday.
Tjahjo acknowledged that the PDI-P was open to a coalition with any party, regardless of respective ideologies.
"We have talked with 10 parties. I myself have met with Pak Syarif Hasan [of the Democratic Party] and Pak Yusril [Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent Star Party]," Tjahjo said, declining to elaborate further.
He also denied speculation that the discussions had touched upon who would be chosen as running mate to Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, who has been named the PDI-P's presidential candidate.
"We will only talk about the vice presidential nomination after the legislative election," he said.
Jokowi, as the Jakarta governor is popularly known, emphasized the importance of securing victory in the legislative election, during his speeches along the campaign trail in Banten, West Java and East Java.
"Without controlling the legislature, there will be too many political bargains made and too much lobbying, and everything will all eventually become about money. We don't want that, do we?" Jokowi said.
"An administration can only be strong if we have a strong legislature. That way, we can focus on working for the people; that is what the people need right now," he added.
The current coalition is led by the Democratic Party with a further seven political parties, including the Golkar Party, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and the National Mandate Party (PAN).
