Erwida Maulia and Dicky Christanto, Jakarta – Having cut loose the Golkar Party, the Democratic Party is now unexpectedly approaching the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) to form a mammoth coalition for the upcoming presidential race and for parliament.

The talks, which reliable sources at the PDI-P said began Friday night, were confirmed Sunday by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at his residence in Cikeas, Bogor.

Both sides have remained silent on details of the coalition, but the move is being seen as part of Yudhoyono's strategy to win the presidency and back it up with a strong coalition at the House of Representatives, to pave the way for him to push through key government policies over the next five years.

"There appears to be goodwill between the two parties to communicate, so we're beginning substantial talks, and, if possible, reconciliation," Yudhoyono said. "The talks are still going on. We respect each other... I believe the way is open for us to continue the development of this nation together."

Despite their similar nationalist stance, the parties' talks came as a surprise because of the bad blood between Yudhoyono and PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, stemming from the former's resignation from the latter's Cabinet in 2003 to contest the 2004 presidential race.

Having garnered almost 21 percent of votes in the legislative polls, the Democratic Party, whose alliances with the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the United Development Party (PPP), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and National Mandate Party (PAN) will bring it an additional 23 percent of votes, should need no more parties to contest the race, but apparently needs the PDI-P's 14.03 percent to form a strong coalition at the House.

Yudhoyono, seeking reelection, will face a major obstacle to his government's policies if Golkar and the PDI-P, with a combined 211 House seats out of 560, unite in opposition.

The coalition talks sparked mixed reactions from both parties, with PDI-P officials pointing out its congress that saw Megawati named its presidential hopeful.

"To name Megawati the party's presidential candidate is a must, as it was the result of the PDI-P's special meeting," said executive board member Maruarar Sirait. "So whoever seeks to ally with us must pay serious attention to this issue."

Ganjar Pranowo, a PDI-P legislator, said it was not unreasonable for the party to hold coalition talks with the Democratic Party, despite the PDI-P being perceived as the government's opposition for the last five years.

Democratic Party chairman Hadi Utomo hailed the talks but warned it would lead to "authoritarianism".

He admitted his party's "Team 9" and PDI-P executives, including Megawati's husband Taufiq Kiemas, had met several times to explore the possibility of a major coalition, but both sides have yet to discuss Yudhoyono's running mate in the race. He added the talks were aimed at achieving "major progress for the nation".