Margareth S. Aritonang, Jakarta – In working toward forming a coalition, Democratic Party chief and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said the vice presidential bid of Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, his eldest son, is open to negotiations.

"For the Democratic Party, [the proposal for] vice presidential candidacy is not undisputed," Yudhoyono said after saying that all political parties would of course prioritize their own members to contest the presidential race.

He made the statement on Tuesday evening after a two-hour closed-door meeting with Gerindra Party patron Prabowo Subianto at the former's residence in South Jakarta.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Prabowo asserted that he and Yudhoyono agreed that other names would be considered. "[...] But if Agus' name [as a vice presidential candidate] later emerges [during negotiations], why not?" said Prabowo.

The Dems have been touting Agus as the party's candidate in next year's presidential election. The party has also assessed various scenarios of pairing him with people deemed potential candidates to contest the 2019 race, including with Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

Political parties are scrambling to form coalitions as candidate registration draws near. The General Election Commission (KPU) will open registration for candidates of the presidential election on Aug 4 to 10. (rin)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/07/25/aguss-vice-presidential-bid-not-nonnegotiable-sby.html