Adil Al Hasan, Jakarta – The Secretary-General of the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle or PDIP Hasto Kristiyanto admitted that Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md winning team has been communicating with the winning team of Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar to tackle the intimidation they received.
"Yes, we are communicating [with the Anies-Muhaimin team] to face the biggest threat of intimidation. Intimidation is real," Hasto told Tempo on Wednesday, January 10.
The communication is carried out since both parties experience what they believe is intimidation, Hasto said. At the upstream level, Hasto added, some parties try to intercept supporters of Ganjar-Mahfud and Anies-Muhaimin. Downstream, certain parties try to intercept their campaign on the ground.
Hasto said the communication is connected through several meetings, which he admitted has not received the results of.
Despite the communication, Hasto said both parties have not discussed any possible coalition scheme if the general elections require a second round.
"The agreement is yet to reach operational level, only at the mutual understanding that we receive the same intimidation. Our legal teams have met, and will strengthen each other," he said.
On the other hand, Anies-Muhaimin team spokesperson Billy David Nerotumilena said there is a potential for a coalition after Anies was seen uploading an Instastory congratulating PDIP on its 51st anniversary.
"The opportunity for a coalition is open to anyone anytime," Billy said when called on Wednesday.
According to Billy, the anniversary of PDIP is a momentum to stress the commitment of Ganjar-Mahfud and Anies-Muhaimin to commit to peaceful general elections without political intervention and abuse of power.
However, Billy said Anies-Muhaimin is focusing on winning the general elections set for February 14, 2024. "We don't want to speculate on the direction of the coalition going forward," he said.
The election is participated by three running pairs; Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md.