PKB Not Tempted To Join KPP Even Though Cak Imin Becomes Anies' Vice Presidential Candidate

Chairman of PKB Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin. (photo: twitter @cakiminnow)

JAKARTA - PKB (National Awakening Party) responded to the statement by PKS (Sejahtera Justice Party) which stated that there was a general chairman of the parliamentary political party (parpol) who wanted to join the Coalition for Change for Unity (KPP), on condition that he became a vice presidential candidate (Cawapres) Anies Baswedan. Deputy General Chairperson (Waketum) of PKB Jazilul Fawaid, stated that his party was not tempted to join the KPP even though PKB General Chair Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin became Anies vice presidential candidate. Because, he said, PKB has committed to Gerindra forming the Greater Indonesia Awakening Coalition (KKIR). "PKB has tied its promise with Gerindra. PKB remains committed, and is not tempted by the dynamics of the coalition 'beyond,' especially as stated by PKS. Of course, it means not PKB," said Jazilul, Saturday, March 25. Jazilul revealed that currently Cak Imin and Ketum Gerindra, Prabowo Subianto are formulating and immediately determining the names of the presidential and vice presidential candidates. "Gus Muhaimin and Pak Prabowo, soon, according to the coalition's mandate, will decide on the presidential and vice presidential candidates," he said. So far, Jazilul added, the PKB Congress still mandates Cak Imin to become a presidential candidate in 2024, until his party and Gerindra decide who will be promoted in the 2024 presidential election. "Until now, PKB is focused on working according to the mandate of the congress so that Gus Muhaimin remains a presidential candidate, while waiting for the results of Gus Muhaimin's agreement with Prabowo," he continued. Previously, Deputy Chairperson of the PKS Syuro Council, Sohibul Iman, revealed that there was a political party (parpol) that wanted to join the Change Coalition. However, on the condition that the chairman of the political party wants to become a vice presidential candidate (cawapres) accompanying Anies Baswedan. "Of course now there are several party leaders who want to get closer, they then require the general chairman to become vice president. The chairman of the political party is outside us," said Sohibul Iman at the Change Secretariat in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Friday, February 24. Sohibul said that the political parties that communicated with PKS, NasDem and Democrats were political parties in parliament. However, regarding which party he meant, Sohibul was reluctant to reveal. "So, outside of these three there are parties that also communicate. They say they are ready to join but want to become vice presidents, right there are also. Yes, they communicate, parliamentary political parties. Just guess," he said. Furthermore, regarding Anies' vice presidential candidate, Sohibul said, each political party in the Change Coalition had proposed. Starting from party cadres to other potential figures. "Actually, the names have been circulating. What is clear is that from PKS there is Kang Aher, from Democrats there is AHY, from NasDem there is Mrs. Khofifah, even before there was Mr. Andika. Then there is also Mbak Yenny, it also appears," explained Sohibul. Nevertheless, Sohibul emphasized that regarding the determination of the vice presidential candidate, each political party still prioritizes the considerations that develop within the coalition. Moreover, the coalition has submitted the matter to Anies Baswedan as a presidential candidate. "Of course we give an understanding that there are already three coalitions in the beginning. Yes, of course, the priority is in terms of candidacy, what developed from this third team," said Sohibul.