Yustinus Paat & Agnes Valentina Christa, Jakarta – President-elect Prabowo Subianto extended an invitation to the National Democratic (Nasdem) Party to join his coalition.

This proposition was conveyed directly to Nasdem's Chairman, Surya Paloh, during their meeting at Nasdem Tower on Gondangdia Street, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday.

The media tycoon, accompanied by other Nasdem officials, warmly welcomed Prabowo Subianto upon his arrival. Surya appeared pleased to greet Prabowo, and the two exchanged pleasantries and handshakes.

"I consistently extend the invitation [to join hands]. Is that accurate?" Prabowo said to Paloh during their discussion.

Prabowo emphasized that all political factions should reunite following the 2024 Presidential Election to foster a prosperous Indonesia. He further asserted that Indonesia could achieve strength and prosperity if its political elites came together.

Additionally, Prabowo noted that there is a widespread desire for unity among the elites, avoiding conflicts wherever possible. Hence, he urged Nasdem to join the government.

"I deeply respect Nasdem's stance post-competition. We remain friends, we remain one family, and we remain patriotic. Let's unite to build the Indonesian nation after the competition and rivalry. That's the message I want to emphasize," Prabowo elaborated.

In response, Surya Paloh hinted at the likelihood of the Nasdem Party joining the coalition government of Prabowo-Gibran. However, he indicated that the possibility of Nasdem joining the Prabowo-Gibran government is still uncertain.

"It's a fifty-fifty possibility," Surya Paloh remarked at Nasdem Tower.

Surya Paloh mentioned that they would continue to observe the political landscape. Ultimately, the Nasdem Party will determine whether to align with the opposition or the coalition. "We'll monitor the developments ahead," he concluded.

Nasdem's Treasurer, Ahmad Sahroni, acknowledged that some parties might express disappointment if Nasdem were to align with Prabowo in the future. This sentiment arises because, in the 2024 Presidential Election, the Nasdem Party supported Anies Baswedan, who was Prabowo's fiercest rival.

"Well, it's understandable to feel disappointed," Sahroni concluded.

In a separate development, Anies Baswedan and his running mate, Muhaimin Iskandar, filed a lawsuit contesting the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election at the Constitutional Court (MK) on Thursday.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/coalition-talks-begin-prabowo-courts-nasde