Highlighting Anies Baswedan's Declaration - Muhaimin Iskandar: Don't Be Baper, There Is No Betrayal In Politics

The declaration of Anies Baswedan with Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin as a pair of presidential and vice presidential candidates for the 2024 presidential election has become a topic of conversation. Apart from the duet between Anies and Cak Imin being the first pair of presidential and vice presidential candidates, it turns out that there are also parties who feel betrayed.

The former governor of DKI Jakarta and the chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) made a declaration at the Majapahit Hotel, Surabaya, on September 2, 2023. Then there was an assumption that there was an element of betrayal in the declaration last weekend.

The narrative was sounded from the Democratic Party. They felt betrayed because Anies preferred Cak Imin as his partner to run in the 2024 Pilres. The Democrats admitted that there was an agreement that Agus Harimurti Yodhoyono (AHY) would be chosen to become Anies' vice presidential candidate next year.

Nasdem, Democrat, and Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) initially formed a political coalition of Change for Unity ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The coalition agreed to carry Anies Baswedan to become the Presidential Decree. However, KPP disbanded after the Nasdem Party accepted the joining of the National Awakening Party (PKB). The two parties agreed to pair Anies and Cak Imin as the Presidential Decree and the Vice President next year.

The joining of the PKB angered the Democrats and in the aftermath they decided to leave the coalition on Friday, September 1. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) as Chairman of the Democratic Party High Council could not contain his emotions. He accused Nasdem of political betrayal by appointing Cak Imin to accompany Anies Baswedan. It was not without reason that he issued the opinion.

From the SBY version, the Coalition for Change for Unity actually has a choice as to who will be the number two person accompanying Anies. SBY claims KPP actually plans to jointly declare the Anies and AHY pair, who are the eldest son and chairman of the Democrats, on September 3, 2023. However, it turned out that the declaration of the Anies and Cak Imin pair took place more quickly. As the party who felt aggrieved, the Democrat camp failed to label the traitor to Nasdem.

Talking about betrayal, this term is often stated in the political realm. In fact, according to political communication researcher Effendi Gazali, the word 'traisal' does not apply in the world of politics. Leaving is a common thing. That's why anyone who enters politics must be prepared with all possibilities so as not to feel 'victims'.

"There is no betrayal in politics. Leaving each other is normal. So, so that you don't become a victim, you have to be prepared for all possibilities," Effendi said in a short message to VOI.

However, this man who was born in Padang, West Sumatra, emphasized the importance of communication between the two parties before announcing a decision or policy. This is done so that no parties feel abandoned. Communication can be in the form of verbal or written. With positive communication, it will give an elegant impression when there is a separation in the coalition, for example.

"Meanwhile, if someone leaves, they should make good and clear signs. For example, announcing leaving the coalition, for parties leaving the coalition. Or contacting and talking to parties who have been invited, it is also written, to become vice presidential candidates," Effendi added.

The better way to leave the coalition or how to leave the Vice President who has been given a letter, the more elegant the party will be. This matter of reputation will be recorded in history. But once again, in political communication, the word 'traisal' is not widely used," he said.

SBY's statement that Nasdem had committed treason prompted the General Treasurer of the Nasdem Party Ahmad Sahroni to report the former President of the Republic of Indonesia. However, he canceled the intention after the General Chairperson of Nasdem Surya Paloh and Anies Baswedan asked him to cancel reporting SBY. Sahroni explained the reason Surya Paloh canceled reporting on SBY so that the political situation ahead of the 2024 presidential election would not heat up.

"Mr. Surya ordered me not to report. And coincidentally, Mr. Anies also asked me to also ask for the same thing. Mr. Anies, wants us to focus on this future for the 2024 presidential candidate winning strategy," said Sahroni.

People say, politics is a tireless terrain. On its way, loyalty and betrayal in politics sometimes go hand in hand. To be sure, politics has always been an interesting battle with all its complexity.