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NasDem alliance sticks with ‘Coalition for Change’ despite PKB addition
The PKB previously proposed renaming the alliance the "Coalition of Continuous Renewal," arguing that Muhaimin would ensure the "continuation" of Jokowi's policies, while Anies would represent the "renewal" of the President's programs.
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Presumptive presidential nominee Anies Baswedan (left) and running mate Muhaimin Iskandar pose on Sept. 2, 2023, for a photo in Surabaya, East Java, following the pair’s announcement that they would be running in next year's February election. (Antara/Moch Asim)
The NasDem Party-led alliance, which is backing presumptive presidential nominee Anies Baswedan in the upcoming presidential race, has agreed to maintain its name as the “Coalition for Change” despite the addition of another pro-government party into the grouping and the naming of its leader as the vice-presidential candidate.
The decision came after the NasDem’s new ally, the Islam-based National Awakening Party (PKB), suggested renaming the alliance following the announcement of the latter’s chairman, Muhaimin Iskandar, a major supporter of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, as Anies’ running mate.
Maman Imanul Haq, deputy secretary of PKB’s syuro (religious council), the party’s top decision-making body, proposed that the alliance be renamed the “Coalition of Continuous Renewal.” It argued that Muhaimin would ensure the “continuity” of Jokowi’s policies, while Anies would represent the “renewal” of the President’s programs.
But NasDem chairman Surya Paloh sent a message to all alliance members that conveyed his hope that the alliance “will remain under the name of Coalition for Change,” said deputy chairman Ahmad Ali.
“There won’t be any amendment to the name, just the ‘Coalition for Change’,” Ahmad said.
Read also: Anies, Muhaimin hope to maintain PKS backing
The sudden decision of Anies to name Muhaimin as his running mate earlier this month, a deal brokered by Surya, sparked turbulence within the alliance.
