Reading Prabowo's Political Steps To JK And SBY

Prabowo Subianto (Photo: Twitter @prabowo)

JAKARTA - The general chairman of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo Subianto, reportedly made political efforts to escape the shadow of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) by meeting well-known political figures.

After meeting with Jusuf Kalla (JK), Prabowo reportedly plans to meet with the Chairman of the Democratic Party High Council, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).

According to a political observer, Hermawan Sulistyo's meeting with SBY was part of Prabowo's strategy to continue to have the opportunity to run as a presidential candidate in the 2024 presidential election.

"This is a desperate effort to continue to be able to run as a presidential candidate and escape Jokowi's influence," said Hermawan, Thursday, May 11.

However, Hermawan also considered that the meeting with SBY was irrational for Prabowo, who had failed in the presidential election several times.

"After failing many times, it's irrational. Maybe this is just gossip from close people," said Hermawan.

Hermawan also highlighted Prabowo's relationship with SBY which has not been so close since the two of them served in the military.

"The testimony of Agum Gumelar is very clear. SBY is one of the generals of DKP members who signed Prabowo's dismissal. It is strange to support Prabowo's candidacy," explained Hermawan.

Meanwhile, political analyst Ujang Komarudin believes that the meeting between Prabowo and SBY is a must. According to him, if Prabowo wants to run as a presidential candidate, he must establish communication with anyone, including political figures and decision makers.

Ujang also stated that Prabowo must communicate with figures such as SBY and Jusuf Kalla, especially if the 2024 presidential election takes place in two rounds.

"If two rounds occur and Prabowo enters both rounds, the meeting could be a support if in the first round they have not received support," said Ujang.

According to Ujang, political elite meetings such as between Prabowo, SBY, and JK were part of efforts to communicate, lobby and make political relations to explore all possibilities.