The United Indonesia Coalition Does Not Want To Rush To Choose A Presidential Candidate, PAN: The Process Is Still Long

Chairman of the Golkar Party Airlangga Hartarto, chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) Suharso Monoarfa, and chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan/SPECIAL DOK

JAKARTA - The chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) DPP Saleh Daulay said the United Indonesia Coalition is unwilling to rush in choosing a presidential candidate (candidate) in the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres). After all, whoever they are in the political contest must be discussed together.

"Later, the presidential and vice presidential candidates will be determined jointly. And it still takes time to gather and discuss who can be brought together," Saleh told reporters, Monday, May 16.

"It's also a long process. Registration for presidential candidates is still in September 2023. So there is still a very long time," added the member of the DPR RI.

Saleh agreed that PAN did have close ties to political figures, one of which was the Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil.

"In particular he (Ridwan Kamil, ed) is close to Bang Zul (Chairman of PAN Zulkifli Hasan, ed) and PAN. Because there are many activities and events attended by Mr. Ridwan Kamil," he said.

However, Saleh emphasized that his party would not rush to determine a certain figure to be promoted as a presidential or vice presidential candidate. Because all decisions will be taken through a cross-party discussion process.

"Discussions of presidential and vice-presidential candidates will be determined jointly by cross-party friends, namely Golkar, PAN, and PPP," he said.

Saleh confirmed that a meeting was held between Zulkifli Hasan and Ridwan Kamil on Sunday, May 15 yesterday. However, in the meeting, the two only discussed politics as a whole, including the United Indonesia Coalition.

"About who the presidential and vice-presidential candidates are not specifically discussed. There is nothing, for example, that certain figures are required to become presidential and vice-presidential candidates from this coalition," said Saleh.

Previously, it was reported that the General Chairperson of the Golkar Party Airlangga Hartarto and the General Chairperson of the PAN Zulkifli Hasan on Sunday, May 15 yesterday.

Initially, Kang Emil first visited Zulkifli Hasan's official residence in Widya Chandra, South Jakarta.

In the two-hour meeting, Zulhas admitted that many topics were discussed. One of them, RK had time to ask Zulhas about the United Indonesia Coalition.

"Of course we also discussed the political and national situation today. Kang Emil asked about the United Indonesia Coalition that I just formed with Pak Airlangga and Pak Suharso last week," said Zulhas quoted from his personal Twitter account, @ZUL_Hasan.

Next, Kang Emil met Airlangga Hartarto at his official residence in the Widya Chandra area as well.

After holding a closed meeting with Airlangga, Kang Emil briefly conveyed the West Java community's response to the United Indonesia coalition formed by Golkar, PAN and PPP. He claimed that his citizens responded positively to the existence of the coalition.

"Thirdly, there is news about the coalition, below is the good response to Pak Airlangga. Sir, this coalition has a very positive response and hopes and of course hopefully, it supports the rest of my position," said RK.

RK also confirmed that he would support the steps of the Golkar Party, including the aspirations of Airlangga in 2024. He said this was a return of gratitude because Golkar had brought and won him in the 2018 West Java Governor Election (Pilgub).

"I support Pak Airlangga's ideals. His capacity and responsibility are also large, including if later there are political dimensions that may not be counted from now on," said Kang Emil at the time.

"I will definitely return the favor to Golkar's support in West Java," he concluded.