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‘We can’t force or beg’: Gerindra wants other parties in ruling camp to open doors
Gerindra executives remain upbeat about joining President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's upcoming administration.
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Gerindra Party chief patron Prabowo Subianto and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) leader Megawati Soekarnoputri meet at the latter's private residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, recently. (PDIP/Staff PDIP)
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fter a highly publicized rendezvous between former presidential candidate pair Megawati Soekarnoputri and Prabowo Subianto recently, the ruling coalition led by the former’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) appears to be playing a waiting game over the possibility of the latter’s Gerindra Party joining the camp.
On July 24, Megawati welcomed Prabowo at her private residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, in what appeared to be a friendly meeting between the leaders of rival camps in the 2019 General Election. The meeting followed that of Prabowo and incumbent President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Lebak Bulus MRT station in South Jakarta, the first public meeting between the rival candidates after the bitter contest. It has also been confirmed that Prabowo will attend the PDI-P congress, which will kick off on Thursday in Bali.
The high profile meetings triggered speculation that Gerindra would be the first member of the opposition camp to join Jokowi’s upcoming administration. Most members of the ruling coalition have expressed their reluctance to embrace Gerindra, however, executives of the PDI-P, especially its chairwoman Megawati, remained indecisive.
Gerindra executives have hinted that the party remained upbeat about joining the government.
Gerindra deputy chairman Arief Poyuono noticed that the PDI-P and Gerindra had shared visions as both leaders renewed their friendship, saying that other parties in Jokowi’s coalition should also open doors for a possible merger.
“I don't think the PDI-P has ever objected to [Gerindra joining the coalition], but after all, the other political parties supporting Jokowi also own shares in the coalition. Jokowi should talk to them [...] The others must also open up to developing the country together [with Gerindra]. Don't see us as a competitor but as a partner,” Arief told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
In the ruling coalition, only the NasDem Party has expressed its firm stance not to add a new member. The Golkar Party and the National Awakening Party (PKB) have said they remain open to the possibility but suggest some conditions that need to be fulfilled. The United Development Party (PPP) has said that if Jokowi added a new member, he should not add more than one party.
