PKB Shocked KKIR Turns Into A Forward Indonesian Coalition, Gerindra: That Doesn't Mean It Doesn't Agree

Gerindra Deputy Habiburokhman/DOK VOI-Nailin In Saroh

JAKARTA - Gerindra Deputy Habiburokhman emphasized that there was no problem between his party and PKB after changing the name of the Greater Indonesia Awakening Coalition (KKIR) to the Advanced Indonesia Coalition (KIM).

According to him, the surprise of PKB general chairman Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin when Prabowo Subianto was about to announce the new name of the coalition at the PAN anniversary event, did not mean he disagreed.

"If you are surprised, it doesn't mean you don't agree, there is no problem," said Habiburokhman at the DPR building, Wednesday, August 30.

Even so, the deputy chairman of Commission III was reluctant to comment further on the new name of the coalition, whether it was really suddenly announced or there had been a discussion in advance without involving the PKB. He considered it an internal matter of the coalition.

"That doesn't need (to be questioned, red), it's not external public consumption," he said.

Gerindra was not afraid that PKB would leave the coalition and no longer support Prabowo. Although, Cak Imin is currently being tempted by PDIP to join in supporting Ganjar Pranowo as a presidential candidate.

"No, no (scared, red). PKB loves Gerindra the most, Gerindra loves PKB the most," he said.

Previously, the PKB elite admitted that they were surprised that the name of the coalition supporting the presidential candidate (readpres) Prabowo Subianto suddenly turned into an Advanced Indonesia Coalition (KIM). The reason is, there was no previous discussion to change the name of the Greater Indonesia Awakening Coalition (KKIR) to KIM.

PKB Deputy Secretary General Syaiful Huda revealed that the General Chairperson of Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin was surprised to suddenly be whispered by Prabowo about the plan to announce the new name of the coalition at the PAN Anniversary.

"In the evening, we came there. Then Gus Imin was whispered by Mr. Prabowo, he said that, there had been a short chat, we plan to announce it related to this new coalition. Really," said Syaiful Huda, to reporters, Wednesday, August 30.

"Actually, I'm surprised, because previously there was no plan to discuss it. But we can understand, maybe Pak Prabowo has a need to announce this as soon as possible," he continued.

With the emergence of new names for the coalition after additional support from Golkar and PAN, PKB considers that the KKIR formed with Gerindra has disbanded. "Yes, it means that the KKIR contest is one year and 15 days old," said Huda.

Furthermore, according to Huda, PKB will discuss the name of the new coalition internally to determine its position. Including, regarding the authority to determine the vice presidential candidate as per the cooperation agreement with Gerindra.

"As stated by Gus Imin, we will bring the new coalition to the DPP meeting later, this new coalition will be discussed. In other words, General Chair Gus Imin will report it to the DPP, it will be discussed in the DPP meeting," he explained.

"We'll see, because our position is still shocked. We'll see what the atmosphere is like. But the mandate of the head of the presidential and vice presidential candidates is our sole proposal," continued Huda.