Akhyar Nasution-AHY Are Getting Closer, PDIP Doesn't Care

JAKARTA - PDI-P Secretary-General, Hasto Kristiyanto, said that he was reluctant to respond to the intimacy between Akhyar Nasution and the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY).

The intimacy between Akhyar and AHY took place during the teleconference, Thursday, August 27. Akhyar was at the DPP Democrat office in Jakarta with AHY. However, the two of them could not meet in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"AHY looked close during a teleconference, the party won't respond," said Hasto in an online press conference, Friday, August 28.

"But maybe due to the experiences of Democrats, let alone seeing Mr. Akhyar who has been summoned by law enforcement regarding the matter. Maybe the difficult experiences in the past do not happen, or whatever. I don't want to speculate," he said.

Hasto further explained, before executing Akhyar's dismissal, the PDIP DPP had received a report from the DPD and DPC PDIP. Based on the report, Akhyar was summoned by law enforcement. It was related to the implementation of MTQ in Medan City.

"He was summoned, and he had to be accountable for IDR 4.6 billion funds. That is related to MTQ. It is a momentum full of religious values ​​that should be respected by all parties. There should not be any misuse," he said.

"So, about the friendship between AHY and Akhyar, we didn't give a response. Let it happen because he is no longer a member of the PDIP," he added.

Akhyar Nasution was officially promoted by Democrats to run the Medan Pilkada, North Sumatra. Akhyar saluted the Democrat Chairperson, AHY, during the teleconference.

AHY advised Akhyar to continue to maintain his integrity. "We should maintain our integrity and also closeness to the people. That's our hope and struggle, sir," said AHY at that time.

"I'm ready, chairman," said Akhyar.

AHY said that the recommendation letter for the nomination as Medan Mayor was submitted through the Chairman of the DPD and DPC Democrats. AHY emphasized that he gave full support for Akhyar in the Medan Pilkada. "The point is we provide prayerful support and will certainly fight together," said AHY.

"Ready, thank you, chairman," said Akhyar.

AHY also advised Akhyar Nasution, who is currently the Acting Medan Mayor, to maintain his health. AHY wants Akhyar to play a role in raising Democrats in Medan. Akhyar then gave a respectful greeting at the end of the video call connection. Akhyar will be together with the Acting Chairman of the Medan PKS DPD, Salman Alfarisi. Both of them became challengers to Bobby Nasution-Aulia Rachman in the Medan Regional Election.