Pessimism Welcomes The Red Ant Coalition, PKB Says Internals Were 'Reluctant' To Join PKS

Jazilul Fawaid/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Red Ants Coalition formed by the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) was greeted with pessimism by the public. The reason is, many think that PKB and PKS are like water and oil which are difficult to unite because of ideological differences.

Responding to the 'cold' response from the market, the Deputy General Chairperson (Waketum) of PKB, Jazilul Fawaid, admitted that many internal parties did not want a coalition with PKS. However, he emphasized, PKB and PKS are no different in ideology.

"Actually, PKB is based on a nationalist-Islamic basis, PKS is an Islamic-nationalist, it's just like that. It doesn't make any difference," Jazilul told reporters, Tuesday, June 14.

The Deputy Chairperson of the MPR admitted that many gave input so that PKB would not join PKS in one coalition. But according to him, PKB wants to find friends, not enemies in politics.

"Frankly, in PKB, many also gave me input, 'Ma'am, not with PKS', yes, we accept that as input, but this politics is looking for friends, not looking for enemies. If PKS wants to be friends, why do we reject it, "said Jazilul. Jazilul then explained the meaning of the naming of the Red Ant Coalition. According to him, PKB and PKS are two small parties that are expected to give hope to the community.

"If I say ants because they are small, we will try them. But to give hope to the community, one identity politics is lost, it cannot be mutually exclusive," he explained. Therefore, Jazilul hopes that the NasDem Party and the Democratic Party can complete the Red Ant Coalition with PKS. He said that his party also continued to approach all parties that had the belief to win.

"From the figures or names (candidates) that have appeared until today, no one has been convinced to win. If there is, I'm sure it will be gathered quickly. For example, once Person A convinces by survey or whatever achievements and others, it's easy to win . But today there is no. That's why PKB also featured figures only Gus Muhaimin, "said Jazilul.