Hasto Reveals Jokowi Intends To Take Chaires Of PDIP General Chair From Megawati

President Jokowi And PDIP Chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri/DOK

The Secretary General of the PDI-P (PDIP) revealed that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had targeted the chairperson occupied by Megawati Soekarnoputri. This desire is an effort to maintain his leadership.

This was conveyed by Hasto during the book review of Ken Ward's 'NU, PNI, and 1971 General Election Violence'. He said Jokowi wanted to maintain his position by controlling two political parties, namely Golkar and PDIP.

"The plan to take over the Golkar Party and PDI Perjuangan Party. So, long before the election, several months between five, six months there was a powerful minister," said Hasto during an activity in the Cikini area, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, April 2.

Hasto did not mention who this minister figure was. However, he is said to have been given an assignment by President Jokowi to meet Ryaas Rasyid, who is a political and government expert to persuade Megawati.

"So that I'm not mistaken (the minister, ed) was assigned to meet Ryaas Rasyid by President Jokowi. Mr. Ryaas was assigned to persuade Mrs. Mega so that the PDI-P leadership would be handed over to Mr. Jokowi. So, in the context of political vehicles for the next 21 years," he explained.

This method, called Hasto, was used by President Soeharto who wanted to defend his power through the 1971 elections. The 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, he said, had also wanted to take over the party led by Megawati, namely the PDI.

Not only that, Hasto also said that there were other ways that Jokowi had taken to defend his power. He is said to have formed a grand coalition of political parties.

"Now there is a idea about a permanent grand coalition like there is a national line," he concluded.