JAKARTA - Secretary General of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Raja Juli Antoni has completely handed over the determination of the vice presidential candidate in the 2029 presidential election to President Prabowo Subianto as the highest leader of the coalition.
This was conveyed by Raja Juli in response to the discourse of the National Mandate Party (PAN) which opened the opportunity to carry Zulkifli Hasan as a vice presidential candidate to accompany Prabowo Subianto in the 2029 presidential election.
"If it is successful, we will leave the matter of the 2029 Vice Presidential candidate to Mr. Prabowo, as the highest leader of us," Raja Juli said in his statement quoted by Antara, Tuesday, February 10.
The Minister of Forestry is of the view that discussing the 2029 election is still too early.
He also reminded Prabowo's position as a central figure who has full authority in determining the pair who will accompany him later. He said the decision should consider work comfort and public acceptance.
"Let the highest leader, our boss, decide who the companion is who makes him comfortable and accepted by the community," he said.
Regarding PAN's move, Raja Juli assessed that it was a natural thing in the dynamics of coalition politics. According to him, each party has the right and space to convey their respective political aspirations.
"It's good if PAN nominates Mr. Zul as Vice President. I wish Mr. Zul to be healthy and strong until 2029," said Raja Juli.
He emphasized that the main focus of the parties that are part of the current government coalition should not be divided by the upcoming five-year contestation discourse.
He reminded the importance of internal consolidation to ensure the government agenda runs optimally.
"For PSI these days, coalition members are busy trying to succeed Pak Prabowo Subianto's programs. The most important thing is that all of them are compact to succeed Pak Prabowo's program," he said.
Raja Juli emphasized that the success of the government program of President Prabowo Subianto was the main priority that must be maintained together by all supporting parties. According to him, the solidity of the coalition is the key to realizing the government's strategic agendas.
Previously, Deputy Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Eddy Soeparno confirmed that his party had strengthened its determination to bring Prabowo Subianto back as a presidential candidate in the 2029 presidential election.
However, for the position of vice presidential candidate, PAN has begun to consider new options other than Gibran Rakabuming Raka, including the possibility of encouraging internal party cadres.
Eddy said the determination of the presidential and vice presidential pairs must be based on various strategic considerations, ranging from work compatibility to electoral strength.
"We will certainly see the best options later," said Eddy when giving information at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Thursday (5/2/2026).
According to Eddy, the determination of the presidential and vice presidential candidates cannot be done in a hurry because it concerns long-term political interests.
"Because again, the name of the package is of course there must be a symbiosis to work well, there is also high electoral support and so on. So there are many considerations for that. Therefore, let it go but we are determined today," he explained.
Regarding PAN's loyalty to Prabowo Subianto, Eddy ensured that his party's attitude had not changed. He emphasized that PAN would remain in the Prabowo support line for the coming period.
"We have supported Mr. Prabowo three times, the fourth time it has been our answer," said Eddy.
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