The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has extended an unusual peace offering to its archnemesis, the Democratic Party, to potentially partner up for the upcoming general elections, a move that analysts said could put the presidential aspiration of opposition figure Anies Baswedan in tatters.

The ruling party unexpectedly opened the door for a potential reconciliation with the opposition party as the long-planned meeting between PDI-P heir apparent Puan Maharani and Democrat chair Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono finally set to go ahead, PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto said on Saturday.

Puan is the daughter of PDI-P matriarch Megawati Soekarnoputri who governed as president before Agus’ father and Democrat founder Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono exited Megawati’s Cabinet in 2004 to run against her for the top job.

Likening the rocky ties between the two rival parties as a Saudi Arabia-Iran relationship, Hasto said the ruling party “humbly offered” the Democrats a chance to have a dialogue about potentially backing PDI-P's presidential nominee Ganjar Pranowo in next year's election despite the two parties having political differences.

“We have the spirit of gotong royong [mutual cooperation], thus the PDI-P is eager to welcome [the Democratic Party] while we are waiting [to see whether or not Anies would name Agus as his running mate]. After all, Anies has yet to invite [Agus to be on its ticket]," Hasto said.

“We respect political parties that have created electoral partnerships, but being able to have a dialogue [with them] remains something important. We can differ politically, but when there are spaces for dialogue, especially for the interests of the people and nation, [we need to look at it] in a positive manner."

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