NasDem, PKS And Democrats Prepare To Declare Coalition Next Month

DOK VOI/NasDem Chairman Surya Paloh during a meeting with Democrat Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono/PHOTO: Nailin In Saroh

JAKARTA - The NasDem Party said it was ready to declare a coalition with the Democratic Party and the Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) in the next few months.

The chairman of the NasDem Party Regional Leadership Council (DPW), Saan Mustopa, said that the three political parties had even pocketed the names of the presidential candidates which would then be mutually agreed upon.

"In the next few months, God willing, we already have a coalition and we already have a presidential candidate that is jointly promoted", said Saan at the parliament complex building, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, August 16.

It is known, that currently, the NasDem Party is conducting intensive communication with the Democratic Party and PKS. NasDem also has three names for presidential candidates, namely DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Indonesia Army (TNI) Commander Andika Perkasa.

"NasDem believes that the intensity of communication with PKS and Democrats is getting more intense, getting closer. Hopefully in the next few months, we will have the understanding to bind together in the same space", said Saan.

The deputy chairman of Commission II of the DPR also explained the reason why until now NasDem has not officially declared a coalition or a presidential candidate.

According to Saan, NasDem is still equating the vision, mission, and interests of coalition candidates to build a better Indonesia.

"We want that the coalition is not only bound by tactical matters, by matters of mere interest, but we want that the coalition is bound in strategic terms in the context of the nation's interests, this is what NasDem considers", he said.

In addition, continued Saan, NasDem is still exploring the names of three candidates that have been determined at the National Working Meeting.

"Of the 3 names received or by the rich parties, PKS, and Democrats, which of course they will also consider this. So apart from strategic issues, but also how to equate, for example, regarding who will be carried together", said Saan.