Zulkifli Hasan: PAN Must Be An Open Party, Relevant To Young People

Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan (right) took a photo with one of the business actors. BETWEEN/HO-PAN

JAKARTA - Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan said PAN had proven that the party's character was increasingly open and relevant to the progress of the times in 25 years of travel. "Today, 23 August 2023, PAN is exactly 25 years old. It must be a party that is more open and relevant to young people," said Zulkifli Hasan in a written statement received by Antara in Jakarta, Thursday, August 24. Zulhas said the inclusiveness of political parties is the main requirement to win the competition in the future because the character of Indonesian voters changes and democracy becomes more mature. "PAN did start with the spirit of reform, born from the womb of Muhammadiyah, but now this party is getting older and growing. PAN is developing new ideas for the progress of the nation and embracing wider groups. This is a political necessity," he said. During Zulhas' two terms of leadership, the party bearing the white sun symbol is increasingly known for its open and broader characters. Even in the second term of his leadership, PAN was accepted by the Nahdlatul Ulama community and attracted young people. In East Java, East Java PAN seems acceptable to NU kiai and pesantren. "Until there is a joke, in East Java PAN it becomes the Nahdliyin Children's Party," joked Zulhas. Among young people, PAN is also the party most selected by young politicians. In the 2019-2024 period, PAN became the party that placed the most legislative members under the age of 30, totaling six people. Currently, more and more youth communities have declared support for PAN, including in Central Java and East Java.

"In the current survey, PAN continues to show a positive trend. The public is happy to see this party getting in the middle, open and pro young people," he concluded.