Welcoming PAN, Jokowi Invites The Ketum Of Supporting Political Parties To Eat In A Private Room That Has Never Been Used

President Joko Widodo entertains lunch for the general chairmen of political parties in the Presidential Lounge ahead of the inauguration of ministers and deputy ministers at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday (15/6/2022). ANTARA/HO-Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat

JAKARTA - Cabinet Secretary (Setkab) Pramono Anung said the luncheon of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and the general chairmen of political parties supporting the government was a form of welcoming the National Mandate Party (PAN).

President Jokowi entertains general chairmen of political parties before he inaugurates new ministers and deputy ministers in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, Wednesday, June 15. The luncheon was held at the Presidential Lounge at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.

"It just so happens that today there is a new general chairman, who has been formally inaugurated," Pramono told reporters at the State Palace area, Jakarta, Wednesday, June 15.

Regarding the Presidential Lounge, Pramono said the room had never been used. "The president has never used it to welcome anyone because this is the president's private space," he said.

"The first to be invited as guests is the general chairman of the party," he added.

A friendly and relaxed atmosphere was seen when President Jokowi received the general chairmen of parties supporting the government.

Those present at the luncheon were PDI-P Chairwoman Megawati Soekarno Putri, Chairperson of the Gerindra Party who is also Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Chairperson of the Golkar Party who is also Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartato, and General Chairperson of the NasDem Party Surya Paloh.

Next, the General Chairperson of PPP who is also PPN/Head of Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa, and the General Chair of PPP, who is rumored to be inducted as Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, were also present.

"How are you? Are you all well?" greeted the President upon arriving at the Presidential Lounge, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

Next, President Jokowi sat in the space provided for Megawati Soekarnoputri and Surya Paloh.

The meeting was warm and in a friendly atmosphere. President Jokowi and the general chairmen of political parties also chatted, interspersed with laughter.

"Once in a while we eat here," said the President.

"The place is good, sir, more modern (design, ed)," said Airlangga.