PKS is Still Lobbying the Golkar-PAN Coalition Against Gibran

Ilustrasi (Irfan Meidianto/VOI)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Central Java PKS Regional Management Board (DPW), Abdul Fikri Faqih, said that he's still trying to lobby the Golkar and PAN parties to explore the Solo Pilkada coalition.

According to him, PKS still has a chance to bring up the candidate against Gibran Rakabuming Raka-Teguh Prakosa. This is because the parties haven't officially recommended their support to Gibran.

"The political map for the Pilkada can change. Golkar, PAN, and PSI haven't issued recommendations to support Gibran. As long as there's the opportunity, we'll continue to build a coalition," said Fikri to VOI, Tuesday, August 11.

To find a challenger to Gibran, PKS needs to find a political party with at least 4 seats. The requirement to carry a candidate requires a minimum of 9 seats in the Solo DPRD. PKS itself has 5 seats on the council.

"We still have a chance. PKS has 5, then Golkar has 3 seats, PAN 3 seats, and PKS 1 seat. If PDIP and Gerindra have officially made recommendations to Gibran, so we won't count," said Fikri.

In order for a coalition to be built, PKS doesn't want to overcharge. PKS doesn't want to impose its candidate selection decisions. However, there are a number of figures. Namely, the Deputy Mayor of Surakarta, Achmad Purnomo and Pakubuwono XII's grandson, BRA Putri Woelan Sari Dewi.

"PKS is ready to acknowledge a figure if it is supported by a coalition party or people elements. But, we have to know ourselves as well. The candidates we support sometimes have capabilities, but lack of acceptability. Because their names aren't yet known," he said.

Previously, the DPD PSI officially supported Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Teguh Prakosa in the Solo Pilkada. This support was conveyed during the symbolic submission of the Gibran-Teguh recommendation by the Chairman of the DPD PSI Surakarta, Antonius Yogo Prabowo. This procession took place on the grounds of the Sriwedari Stadium in Solo, Central Java, Monday 10 August.

Yogo Prabowo said that his party had committed to support Gibran from the start. This recommendation for support was signed by PSI Chairman, Grace Natalie, and PSI Secretary-General, Raja Juli Antoni, on August 7.

"As a youth party, we'll be strong and make creative actions to support Gibran-Teguh," said Yogo, quoted from Antara.