Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – The ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) celebrated its 44th anniversary in Jakarta on Tuesday at an event attended by the leaders of major political parties except for Democratic Party chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).
Chairpersons of political parties in the government coalition were seen among the invitees, including the National Awakening Party's (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar, the United Development Party's (PPP) Muhammad "Romy" Romahurmuziy, the National Mandate Party's (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan, the NasDem Party's Surya Paloh, the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party's (PKPI) AM Hendropriyono and the Hanura Party's newly installed Oesman Sapta Odang.
PDIP chairwoman Megawati was seen welcoming President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who was accompanied by several Cabinet ministers.
Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto was not present, but executive members of the party, such as secretary-general Idrus Marham and deputy chairman Yorrys Raweyai, were seen sitting among the guests. Representatives of the Gerindra Party were also present, wearing Gerindra's distinctive white and brown attire.
Like at PDI-P's national gatherings in the past, the ceremony on Tuesday excluded former president Yudhoyono and his party, as none of the representatives were seen attending.
"It is up to the steering committee who is invited and who is not," executive PDI-P member Ahmad Basarah shortly replied when asked whether PDI-P had invited Yudhoyono to the celebration.