Hendro D Situmorang, Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – President-elect Prabowo Subianto embarked on visits to his crucial allies on the second day of Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, following his meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo for the second consecutive day.
According to a close aide, "informal discussions" concerning the formation of the future cabinet have begun within the campaign team.
Prabowo paid a visit to the official residence of Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto, a fellow cabinet member who also serves as the chairman of the Golkar Party, a member of the coalition supporting Prabowo's presidential candidacy.
The meeting, held behind closed doors, involved several Golkar executives, although specifics of their deliberations were not disclosed.
Additionally, Prabowo met with Zulkifli Hasan, the chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), another supporter of his presidential bid.
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, acting chairman of Prabowo's Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), said separately that coalition members have initiated discussions regarding the prospective cabinet.
"Although informal discussions began a few days ago, significant decisions will await the Constitutional Court's ruling on the presidential election dispute," Dasco said.
Defeated presidential candidates Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo have contested Prabowo's victory at the Constitutional Court, which is not expected to deliver a verdict until April 22.
Habiburokhman, Gerindra's Deputy Chairman, noted that Prabowo is soliciting advice and input from various parties regarding the composition of the future cabinet.
"While our leaders engage in intense discussions concerning cabinet appointments, Mr. Prabowo will ultimately make the final decisions," he asserted.
Regarding Prabowo's earlier meeting with the president, Habiburokhman emphasized Prabowo's intention to emulate Jokowi's reconciliatory approach in government formation, including the inclusion of former political adversaries in the cabinet.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/prabowo-engages-key-allies-as-cabinet-talks-begi