PPP Claims Many Laughter When Jokowi Jamu Ketum Political Parties Except For NasDem At The Palace

Plt Ketum PPP Muhamad Mardiono (right) and Ketum Gerindra Prabowo Subianto (left) at the Merdeka Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday (2/5/2023) night. (ANTARA/Indra Arief Pribadi)

Plt Chairman of PPP Mardiono revealed that the atmosphere of the meeting between President Joko Widodo and the six general chairmen (ketum) of the government coalition party was filled with happiness and laughter, and did not discuss practical political matters such as the presidential candidate exchange in the 2024 election.

"I'm very happy, laughing a lot. The food is also very delicious, there is shrimp, it's very delicious," said Mardiono at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 2 evening.

Mardiono emphasized that the meeting also showed that the government coalition party was still strong.

"So, all coalition parties with the government are still firmly communicating intensely, we are invited to dinner with the President to discuss Indonesia, Eid al-Fitr, thank God, then the handling of good traffic congestion is not what it used to be. Thank God this is the best," he said.

According to Mardiono, a number of things were discussed in a relaxed but still oriented atmosphere for Indonesia's future development.

One of the things discussed, he said, was the importance of political stability and commitment to maintain a democratic party so that it can be enjoyed by the community. In addition, he said, political stability must be able to bring Indonesia to face various challenges, including the challenge of a demographic bonus.

The meeting from 19.00 WIB to 21.30 WIB was attended by six political party leaders, namely PDIP chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri, Golkar chairman Airlangga Hartarto, Gerindra chairman Prabowo Subianto, PKB chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, PAN chairman Zulkifli Hasan, and Plt Ketum PPP Mardiono.

Mardiono said that the Head of Nasdem Surya Paloh was not present at the meeting because he was abroad.

"So the discussion is not too heavy, it's light but what is certain is for Indonesia in the future," he said.

The meeting between Jokowi and the members of the government coalition political parties was held behind closed doors. When the meeting ended, Megawati first left the Merdeka Palace using a car accompanied by PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto. After Megawati, then Airlangga and Muhaimin Iskandar walked away from the Palace. Furthermore, Prabowo, Zulkifli Hasan, and Mardiono walked together leaving the Palace.

Regarding Megawati who first left the Palace, Mardiono said that because the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia was delivered directly by President Jokowi.

"Oh yes, because the President took him to the front and Bu Mega's car, who had already picked him up first, became Mrs. Mega, who came out first," he said.

As for Airlangga, who seemed so close to Muhaimin Iskandar at the meeting, Mardiono thought it was just a coincidence. Airlangga is a coalition partner with Mardiono and Zulkifli Hasan in the United Indonesia Coalition (KIB) to welcome the 2024 General Election. However, PPP has decided to support PDI-P cadre Ganjar Pranowo as the 2024 presidential candidate. Meanwhile, Muhaimin Iskandar and his party, PKB, have a coalition with Gerindra.

"Incidentally, we were still chatting with the President, with Pak Prabowo. Already (Airlangga and Muhaimin) went first, there was no problem, we chatted together earlier," said Mardiono.