Ima Dini Shafira, Jakarta – Presidential nominees Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo met in Mecca while performing the Hajj pilgrimage. The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) chairman Al Muzammil Yusuf said the meeting presented a good message for the 2024 presidential election.
Muzammil opined that the meeting of the two national figures reflected brotherhood despite being in different coalitions. "A brotherhood still exists among the nation's children," he told Tempo on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
The former governor of Jakarta is endorsed by the Coalition for Change and Unity (KPP), while Central Java Governor is supported by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Hanura Party, Perindo Party, and the United Development Party (PPP).
According to Muzammil, their white cloth for the holy pilgrimage symbolized that the forthcoming election will be held in an honest and fair manner. He thus wished the best for the future leaders of the nation.
"Arafah Day and Eid al-Qurban are the days when all of our prayers are accepted," Muzammbil said.
On a separate occasion, a spokesperson for Democratic Party's central executive board Herzaky Mahendra Putra said the meeting was not intentional. The two leaders had lunch with their families at a royal facility in Mina.
"They had lunch together, their tables were next to each other at Mina Hospitality Palace. Not a planned meeting," Herzaky claimed.
Based on the circulating photos, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo were seen accompanied by their respective wives, Fery Farhati and Siti Atiqoh. A former PPP chairman and Bappenas Minister Suharso Monoarfa also presented.