Muhaimin Reports About The PKB-Gerindra Coalition When Meeting Jokowi

Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar at the DPR building, Jakarta, Tuesday (23/5/2023). BETWEEN/Through Susthira K

Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar alias Cak Imin said he reported the PKB coalition with the Gerindra Party which was still ongoing when he met President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace.

"Yes, I report that we will continue to run. The PKB-Gerindra coalition continues, I will report to the President also the Kiai meetings to support the coalition," said Cak Imin, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 23.

He said Jokowi also gave a positive response regarding this matter, as well as support for him even though he was not delivered explicitly.

"Yes, he did not express explicit support, he did so, go ahead," he said.

During the meeting, Cak Imin said that Jokowi, who had known about his desire to run as a candidate for vice president (cawapres), also invited him.

"It's been a long time, there's often discussions. (Jokowi's response) just keep going, that's all," he said.

However, Cak Imin was reluctant to tell more details about the presidential and vice presidential candidates he had done with Jokowi. "Yes, there is, but yes later, it cannot be told," he added.

In addition to discussing coalitions and politics, Cak Imin said that during the meeting he also discussed the economic issue and the results of Jokowi's visit to Japan in the G7 Summit series.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson of PKB Jazilul Fawaid said that Cak Imin's meeting with Jokowi was also in the context of the 2023 Eid gathering.

He said that Cak Imin's meeting with Jokowi was carried out in four eyes, without being accompanied by high-ranking PKB officials.

"Halalbihalal as well as updates on various political developments, including guarding the government of Pak Jokowi," Jazilul said when contacted in Jakarta, Tuesday.

Jazilul also said that Jokowi gave his appreciation for the PKB-Gerindra coalition.

"Yes, of course Pak Jokowi must be neutral, yes, but that the coalition or cooperation built by PKB-Gerindra has received appreciation because indeed Pak Prabowo, Gus Imin is considered or Gerindra-PKB parties are ideal for cooperation," he said.