Aep Supandi, Bandung – Enggartiasto Lukita, executive chairman of B-Universe Media Holdings and a former minister, held talks on Friday with former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – popularly known as SBY – at eL Hotel Bandung.

According to Enggartiasto, the meeting mainly discussed the political developments as Indonesia inched closer to the February 14 presidential election.

"We have had an amicable meeting. Of course, we discussed the current political developments in this political year," Enggartiasto said.

"He [SBY] was a two-term president. What he told me was in accordance with his experience and understanding of many issues. I feel that we have had a great discussion. We exchanged our thoughts," he added.

He said his inputs had also received positive responses from SBY.

"I told Mr. SBY that it was great to see him still caring about this because the situation on the ground needs to remain conducive. He is a role model and someone whose opinion people and political elites will respect," Enggartiasto said.

According to SBY, it is normal to see an escalation in political rivalries during an election. However, that competition should not develop into clashes.

"Both of us feel the same way, that a clash might erupt if no one holds back. That is something that we need to take note of. So going forward, let us work together for a better and more stable [situation]. We should embrace this democracy with all smiles and respect," SBY said.

The former president highlighted the need to keep the economic and political stability under control.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/sby-enggartiasto-hold-talks-on-political-development