The Reason PKS Is Not Giving Up Its Coalition With Gerindra Even Though It Was Betrayed By Prabowo

Gerindra and PKB in a coalition/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) admits that it will not give up its coalition with the Gerindra Party even though it was 'injured' when supporting Prabowo Subianto to fight against Joko Widodo in the 2019 general election. In fact, they have been close friends since the 2014 election.

PKS revealed the reason why the party chaired by Ahmad Syaikhu was not deterred even though it was betrayed by Prabowo, who later chose to join the Jokowi government coalition. In fact, at that time, PKS totally supported the general chairman of Gerindra but abandoned instead.

The reason is that PKS is not 'sensitive'. This was said by the Deputy Chair of the PKS Syuro Council Sohibul Iman in response to the invitation to join the Greater Indonesia Awakening (KIR) coalition initiated by PKB and Gerindra.

"The issue of giving up or not, I think in politics, there's no giving up. Don't, if politics gets involved, it's difficult," said Sohibul Iman on the sidelines of the PKS National Meeting at Grand Sahid Jakarta, Monday, June 20.

According to the former PKS President, political dynamics must be faced with an open heart, even though previous collaborations have been disappointing. Who knows, said Sohibul, in the next collaboration they will find happiness.

If the party continues to bring feelings, let alone disappointment, said Sohibul, then it is better not to have to do politics.

"Politics, maybe today is disappointing, who knows one day we still have a need with certain parties. So, it is not known to be "sensitive" in politics. If you are sensitive, don't get involved in politics," he said.

The chairman of the PKS Syuro Council, Salim Segaf Al Jufri, also responded to PKS's cooperation with Gerindra.

"There's nothing wrong with politics," said Salim Syegaf at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday, June 19.

Salim said PKS is still open to exploring with Gerindra. As long as, he said, there are common views regarding the 2024 presidential election.

"As long as interests can be met, God willing, we can," he said.