Hasto Affirms Gibran Remains PDIP, Will Not Change Party Color

Gibran Rakabuming Raka/DOK BETWEEN

The Secretary General of the PDI-P (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto confirmed that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)'s son, who is also the Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, will remain a cadre of the party bearing the bull symbol. He even responded casually to the growing issue.

This was conveyed by Hasto after Gibran was rumored to be moving to the Golkar Party. This step is said to make it easier for him to run in the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres) as a vice presidential candidate (cawapres).

"Oh, yes (Gibran is still a PDIP cadre, ed)," said Hasto to reporters at the PDIP DPP office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18.

Hasto will even invite Gibran to join the Presidential Ganjar National Winning Team (TPN GP) because he is considered a qualified young man. Later talks will be held at a meeting that has not been detailed in time.

Hasto also responded casually to the issue of Gibran's move. He said, at a moment like now there are many political dynamics.

"Usually issues are always circulating, but we are a strong party like Mother Mega's speech earlier," he said.

"Everyone is disciplined and bound by very good emotional bonds because we prioritize the spirit of mutual cooperation so that everyone feels comfortable with the PDI-P," continued Hasto.

As previously reported, Gibran's issue of moving to the Golkar Party was widely heard after the Constitutional Court (MK) decided on a lawsuit related to the terms of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on Monday, October 16.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party, Nurul Arifin, has responded to this news. He said that Airlangga Hartarto's announcement would definitely be made as general chairman.

"I myself don't want to be speculative, we'll just have to wait this week, in the past two days," said Nurul at the Golkar DPP office, Slipi, West Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18.

Nurul did not deny that there would be a surprise at the Golkar rapidas which will be held on Saturday. However, he did not want to divulge what surprise was meant.

"Maybe yes, because we don't know yet, because we still can't confirm it. I don't dare to be speculative, just wait until tomorrow. Be a little patient," he said.