Could It Be That The Democrats And PAN Have Come To The Palace?

Zulkifli Hasan (@zulhasan) 's photos via Instagram

JAKARTA - Golkar Party Chairperson Airlangga Hartarto and his party elite visited the residence of the General Chair of the Democratic Party and the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Shortly thereafter, Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan met with President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.

Even though it is known that these two parties are outside the government coalition filled by the PDI-P, the Golkar Party, the National Awakening Party (PKB), the NasDem Party, the Hanura Party, and the United Development Party (PPP).

The meeting between Airlangga and SBY took place last Thursday, March 5. After the meeting, Airlangga admitted that he only discussed the Omnibus Law issue, which has recently been in polemics and discussed politics ahead of the 2020 Pilkada. Even so, Airlangga denied that he was sent by President Joko Widodo.

SBY also conveyed recognition of the Omnibus Law discussion in his written statement. "The meeting between the two chairmen discussed several things, including an explanation of the Omnibus Law process, and also about the 2020 Pilkada," said SBY in a press release.

Regarding the 2020 Pilkada, the political party with the Mercy Star symbol did not deny the question of exploration. Meanwhile, regarding the Omnibus Law, the Democrat Party wants to be part of the solution in finding common ground, not differences. "(The Democratic Party) will provide positive input and dialogue about the Omnibus Law," he said.

Apart from that in the release, the Democratic Party, said SBY, is ready to help President Jokowi to build the nation.

After the Airlangga and SBY meeting, the day after, PAN General Chairman Zulkifli Hasan met President Jokowi at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta. However, it was not clear what the conversation was, considering that Zulhas did not comment anything to reporters.

Responding to the meeting, political observer Hendri Satrio said that Zulhas' presence at the Presidential Palace to meet with Jokowi actually confirmed the prediction that the party would join the Jokowi-Ma'ruf coalition.

"Zulhas' presence at the Palace is only to predict that PAN will move closer to the coalition. PAN will really clean up for 2024," Hendri told VOI via text message, Saturday, March 7.

If this is true, then apart from leaving the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) alone outside the government coalition, the fate of PAN Honorary Council Chairman Amien Rais will be like Wiranto in the Hanura Party.

It is known that currently Wiranto, who was the founder of the Hanura Party, was actually eliminated from his party after having a conflict with the Chairman of the Hanura Party, Oesman Sapta Odang.

Hendri assessed that this condition might also happen to Amien if it is true that PAN joins the government coalition later. It's just that, he believes, Amien's fate will not be as bad as Wiranto, who seems to be disrespected by the party he founded.

"It is very likely that (the meeting) will further downplay Amien Rais' role in PAN. It seems that after Wiranto was ostracized by Hanura, the party he founded, Amien Rais will accept a similar fate in PAN even though Amien's respect in PAN will be much better than that of Wiranto in Hanura. "he said.

Even so, this observer thinks Zulhas' steps will seem difficult. Because Jokowi understands, the steps he will take will leave a legacy. So, if there is an agenda behind this approach, Jokowi will read it immediately.

Meanwhile, regarding the Airlangga and SBY meeting, said Hendri, if it was true that a coalition would be formed, Jokowi would prefer to work with Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas) who is SBY's second son. The reason is that SBY's eldest son, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) looks ambitious to run for the 2024 presidential election.

However, from all the political meetings that have taken place this week, Hendri clearly reads that these two parties really desire to join the current coalition and have a high likelihood of being accepted. Because, the Presidential Election is over.

"It will be accepted into the coalition (Jokowi-Ma'ruf), the battle is over, it is even possible that the coalition parties will also form a coalition with the Democrats or PAN in 2024."

The coalition commented on the Jokowi and Zulhas meeting

Regarding the meeting between Jokowi and the Chair of the PAN, a number of high-ranking government coalition parties also made comments. PPP Secretary General Arsul Sani, for example, stated that the meeting could have happened because Zulhas missed Jokowi and stayed in touch.

According to him, there was nothing to question at the meeting. However, when asked whether there might be a minister from PAN, Arsul had another question.

"Why, if PAN joins and allocates ministers? This is not a problem. Nothing is violated, yes, no problem. Just one thing, is it healthy or not for our democratic life? The only question is that. But there are no obstructions later. law, politically, "he said to reporters in Jakarta, Friday, March 6.

Meanwhile, PKB politician Jazilul Fawaid believed there was no discussion about the minister's offer from PAN or talks about the coalition. He said that this meeting might be about matters relating to laws being discussed by the government.

However, if it is true that there is a discussion about the distribution of seat quota, he said that is the prerogative that belongs to President Joko Widodo. "Just follow us, that's part of the authority of the president's prerogative. PKB has never been adventurous. If the president wants what, wants A, yes, we support A," he said.