PAN Confirms To Participate As A Coalition Party To Support Jokowi Since Zulkifli Hasan's Leadership

President Joko Widodo (Photo: Twitter @jokowi)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Viva Yoga stated that his party has indeed supported and entered the government coalition since being led by PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan.

This was conveyed by him in response to a meeting between President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and a coalition of parties supporting the government which was also attended by Zulkifli and Secretary General of PAN Eddy Soeparno on Wednesday, August 25 at the State Palace, Jakarta.

"Since the leadership of Ketum Bang Zul, PAN has affirmed that it is a political party supporting the government, participating as a coalition party," Viva said in a written statement to reporters quoted on Thursday, August 26.

According to him, PAN has also provided support for the government's efforts in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially related to the policy of Enforcement of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM), implementing health protocols, and accelerating vaccination programs to create communal immunity or herd immunity.

"Also to accelerate the national economic recovery program through the assistance of MSMEs and economic policies that can stimulate national economic growth," said Viva.

Furthermore, he also emphasized that the meeting at the State Palace did not discuss cabinet matters. "Because that's the authority and prerogative of the president," said Viva.

As previously reported, the Secretary General of the NasDem Party Johnny G Plate hopes that the presence of the National Mandate Party (PAN) as a new friend of the coalition supporting the government of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin will further enrich new views and ideas.

This was conveyed by him after attending a meeting of the coalition parties supporting the government at the State Palace, Jakarta, today, Wednesday, August 25. During the meeting, PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan and PAN Secretary General Eddy Soeparno were present at the invitation of President Jokowi.

"Our new friends in the coalition are strengthening and enriching new ideas and views in order to continue the government and fill democracy in Indonesia," Johnny said at a press conference at his residence, Wednesday, August 25.

He said this meeting which took place this afternoon was full of intimacy but also full of focus. There were five things that were discussed between the general chairman and President Jokowi, namely the development and evaluation of the challenges in handling the COVID-19 pandemic; national economy; economic and business strategy; state administration; and the new National Capital.