Surya Paloh Visiting Airlangga Is Considered To Guard The Kans In Coalition If The 2024 Presidential Election Enters The Second Round

Political observer from Al Azhar University Indonesia, Ujang Komarudin, assessed that the visit of the NasDem Party to the headquarters of the Golkar Party was to keep the chance to form a coalition if the 2024 presidential election entered the second round.

"I see that the meeting between Airlangga and Paloh is part of friendship, as well as political communication to see all the possibilities that occur in the context of facing the 2024 General Election. Because this is near the fight, the political contestation in the presidential election, the rhythm of communication and meetings will be more frequent," said Ujang in Jakarta, Wednesday, February 1.

Ujang said, in the world of politics there are always surprises that will not be expected to arise from the party's general chairmen. "For example, in coalition format, there are 3-4 pairs, it can be (pilpres) two rounds," said Ujang.

In the 2024 presidential election contestation so far, the coalition that has been formed, namely the United Indonesia Coalition (KIB) consists of the Golkar Party, PAN, PPP. Furthermore, the Greater Indonesia Awakening Coalition (KIR) is filled with Gerindra and PKB. Then, there is the discourse on the Change Coalition which is planned to be declared by NasDem, Democrat and PKS.

"For two rounds, the first NasDem and Golkar did not meet, but it could be in the second round, we found a coalition. We don't know that. Now the communication is to maintain the possibility (collision in the second round)," said the executive director of the Indonesia Political Review (IPR).

Therefore, according to him, communication between parties must continue to be built. As Golkar and NasDem did today. "And this is better than fighting," added Ujang.

Previously, Golkar Chairman Airlangga Hartarto received a visit from the Head of NasDem Surya Paloh at the Golkar Party DPP Office on Wednesday, February 1. The meeting was a return visit from Golkar that visited NasDem Tower last year.

"Of course this is a follow-up relationship after the Golkar Party came to the NasDem Office. So this is the first time the NasDem Party has visited the Golkar office after COVID-19," said Airlangga during a press conference, Wednesday, February 1.

Airlangga hopes that the friendship between the two political parties will continue. Moreover, Golkar and NasDem already both have major coalition axes.

"Of course it is related to the position of the Golkar Party and NasDem. The gathering continues, because most of the NasDem Party are alumni of the Golkar Party," said Airlangga.