Observers Call Gerindra Joining KIB If Prabowo Subianto Candidates

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto and Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto. (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - The Gerindra Party and the Golkar Party stated that they opened an opportunity to form a coalition in the 2024 presidential election after the meeting of the two general chairmen, Prabowo Subianto and Airlangga Hartarto. However, it has not been confirmed whether Gerindra will join the United Indonesia Coalition (KIB), or Golkar will enter the Gerindra coalition and PKB. Political communication observer who is also the Executive Director of Indonesia Political Opinion (IPO) Dedi Kurnia Syah assesses that Gerindra's joining to KIB is quite large if Prabowo Subianto becomes his presidential candidate. Because Gerindra will definitely maintain Prabowo's bargaining value as a presidential candidate if he wants to decide to join another coalition. "Gerindra has a big chance with KIB throughout Prabowo who is president," said Dedi in Jakarta, Friday, September 23. However, according to Dedi, the coalition axis in the 2024 presidential election will be brighter if Gerindra finally decides to join the KIB. He also estimates that there will be 3 pairs of candidates (paslon) who will compete in the five-year contestation. "The relationship between the Gerindra-KIB coalition will clarify the number of coalitions formed, a maximum of 3 coalitions will emerge if that happens. Because PDIP can still apply for Puan-Ganjar, for example. And NasDem, Democrat, PKS can still progress with Anies-AHY," said Dedi. Meanwhile, Airlangga Hartarto is still considered not strong enough in terms of electability even though he serves as the largest party chairman compared to other parties in KIB. However, said Dedi, placing Airlangga as the vice presidential candidate from KIB still has the opportunity to win the 2024 battle. "And this is rational if you see Airlangga as the largest general chairman in KIB but still have low electability. Kans being a vice presidential candidate is still possible," he said. When Prabowo Subianto's agreement as a presidential candidate and Airlangga Hartarto as vice presidential candidate was not reached, added Dedi, it was less likely that Gerindra would join the KIB. "As long as this condition is not achieved, Gerindra will not shift," said Dedi. Previously, the General Chair of the Golkar Party, Airlangga Hartarto, said that the United Indonesia Coalition (KIB) was still open for other parties to join. This was said by Airlangga following his meeting with the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party, Prabowo Subianto. “ Yes, still, still open (the opportunity). Still talking to parties," said Airlangga, Thursday, September 22.