Jokowi Cements All President’s Men Scenario with Political Supporters

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo invited six political party chiefs to the presidential palace to discuss current politics. Golkar Party Chief Airlangga Hartarto, Nation Awakening Party (PKB) Chief Muhaimin Iskandar, Gerindra Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto, National Mandate Party (PAN) Chief Zulkifli Hasan, United Development Party (PPP) Acting Chief Muhammad Mardiono, and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri were seen to have entered the palace on Tuesday evening.

Nasdem Party, which currently the alliance member, was not invited as they had opted to run former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, perceived by many as Jokowi political opponent, as their presidential candidate.

PAN Deputy Chairman Viva Yoga Mauladi said the meeting was part of the political elites’ effort to cement the common ground, pledging that the country’s unity has been their ultimate priority and therefore it was mandatory to avoid any ill practice temptation during the upcoming election. He said all stakeholders agreed to ensure the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections. 

In harmony with Viva Yoga, PPP Acting Chairman Muhammad Mardiono told the press that they discussed no political strategies during the meeting. The political crème de la crème discussed topics that could solidify their political bonding.

Mardiono acknowledged the meeting went smooth. He added that all agreed that more meetings were required to reach solid common ground between them.