Margareth S. Aritonang and Bagus BT Saragih, Jakarta – Speculation of a deal being cut between the Democratic Party and the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) for the 2014 presidential elections is rife after party patrons met at the Tampak Siring Presidential Palace in Gianyar, Bali.

But politicians from both sides denied the meeting between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Gerindra patron Lt. Gen. (ret.) Prabowo Subianto was about joining forces.

They claimed the two leaders were only attending a military academy reunion, despite Yudhoyono being in a different class to Prabowo.

"The meeting on Monday was a reunion for the Military Academy [AKABRI] graduates of the class of 1973 and the President invited Prabowo to attend because both are graduates. They are also old friends, and it was just a reunion. No politics was on the table, as far as I know," Gerindra secretary general Ahmad Muzani said on Tuesday.

Senior Democratic Party members also denied the speculation. "I believe it was just a regular reunion, where graduates meet after so many years," said Hayono Isman, a member of the party's board of patrons.

"Besides, the Democratic Party has yet to discuss anything related to the presidential election because we have more important things to do right now. We will begin to start the discussions early next year."

Yudhoyono reportedly squeezed in a private meeting with Prabowo, despite the latter graduating in 1974.

The Democratic Party is lacking credible candidates for the 2014 presidential race. There is speculation that it is considering former vice president Jusuf Kalla, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono.

Over the weekend, several Democratic Party politicians suggested that Ani could be a candidate, despite Yudhoyono's pledge that none of his family members would run.

Party spokeswoman Andi Nurpati said Ani could be the best candidate as she meets all the requirements to take the place of her husband.

"She has the experience to be a leader because she was once the party's deputy chief patron. She was also involved in establishing this party. Her experience in accompanying the President can boost her capacity," Andi told reporters.

Andi was quick to add that decision on a presidential candidate would be Yudhoyono's to make as the party's chief patron.

But Hayono has insisted that Ani would not be nominated. "It's true that Ani has the potential to be a candidate, and I am the first person to acknowledge this. However, we must not forget what the President has said – he would not nominate his wife to be his successor. All party members, including the female ones, must respect this. I don't expect any changes on the president's decision," he said.

Besides the First Lady, Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Marshall (ret.) Djoko Suyanto is also reportedly a potential successor. He shrugged off the speculation by saying: "Who said that?"