Meeting at GBK, Puan-AHY Seek PDI-P and Democrat Reconciliation

Puan and AHY are trying to build reconciliation between the PDI-P and the Democratic Party after almost two decades of always being at odds politically.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

ADRYAN YOGA PARAMADWYA

Chairwoman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Puan Maharani (left) shakes hands with the Chairman of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (right) in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta, on Sunday (18/6/2023).

• Puan and AHY finally met in the GBK area, Jakarta, on Sunday morning, after almost two decades of communication between PDI-P and Demokrat being unsuccessful.
• Both Puan and AHY realize the importance of reconciliation to build the nation.
• Both of them agreed to realize the 2024 Election as a peaceful election.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Chairman of the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle or PDI-P Puan Maharani and General Chair Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono met at Gelora Bung Karno Area, Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday (18/6/2023) morning. After nearly two decades, PDI-P and Democrats were in opposite positions and communication was not smooth, both of them are now committed to prioritizing the politics of reconciliation in order to build the nation. Both Puan and Agus agree that the 2024 election must be a peaceful and joyous five-year democratic party.

Puan Maharani met with Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono at Gelora Bung Karno Forest City (GBK), Senayan, Jakarta, on Sunday at around 09.00 after walking from the residence of the Chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR) in the Kuningan area, Jakarta. Puan, accompanied by a number of PDI-P politicians including Alex Indra Lukman and Krisdayanti, was greeted by Agus who had arrived earlier at GBK.

In addition to Agus, several officials from the Democratic Party were also present, including Democratic Party Secretary General Teuku Riefky Harsya, Democratic Party High Council member Syarief Hasan, Chairman of the Democratic Party Central Executive Board Didik Mukrianto, and Chairman of the Democratic Party Central Executive Board Jansen Sitindaon. Meanwhile, the elite of the PDI-P who were also present earlier included PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, Chairman of the PDI-P Central Executive Board and Chairman of the PDI-P Fraction in the DPR Utut Adiyanto, Chairman of the PDI-P Central Executive Board Bambang "Pacul" Wuryanto, as well as PDI-P officials Andreas Hugo Pareira and Masinton Pasaribu.

After exchanging greetings, Puan and Agus had a private conversation while enjoying porridge for an hour. After the meeting, they walked together towards the media crew to hold a press conference. During the press conference, Puan and Agus, accompanied by Hasto Kristiyanto and Teuku Riefky Harsya, took the time to praise each other.

Read also: Coalition bonds are still fragile

ADRYAN YOGA PARAMADWYA

The General Secretary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Hasto Kristiyanto, the General Secretary of the Democratic Party Teuku Riefky Harsya, the Chairman of the PDI-P Central Executive Board Puan Maharani, and the Chairman of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (from left to right) walked together in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta, on Sunday (18/6/2023).

Agus appreciated Puan who walked about seven kilometers from his residence to GBK. Likewise, Puan stated that chatting with Agus was a match because they were like brother and sister. "If I don't remember the time, I was going to continue chatting, it turns out there's so much to talk about, like brothers and sisters. Earlier Mas AHY said, Miss, is it okay for me to treat you like a big sister. Yes, yes, you can," said Puan.

According to Puan, this is a long-awaited meeting, not only by the public but also by herself and Agus. Through this meeting, they can discuss nation building that should not only be carried out through practical politics, namely the implementation of elections. Nation building also needs to consider the dynamics that occur before, during, and after the elections.

To achieve comprehensive mutual understanding, continuous communication is necessary. Without face-to-face meetings, misunderstandings between the two parties are prone to happen. "So, this is indeed the first meeting. But God willing, it will not be the last," said Puan.

Puan ensures that her meeting with Agus is not just a gimmick. The differences in political parties and public positions have disappeared because they both consider each other as family. In addition, their similarities as former presidents' children who want to advance their country have enabled Puan and Agus to surpass various differences, including those in the implementation of the 2024 elections.

Although it is not guaranteed that we will always hold the same position and attitude, God willing, for the sake of our nation and country, a reconciliation politics like this is very much needed and anticipated by the Indonesian society.

"We hope that the upcoming elections will be peaceful, joyful, and can prove that the democratic celebration is for all Indonesian people," said Puan.

Reconciliation politics

Agus added that PDI-P and Demokrat are political parties that have both been in power and have also been outside the government. Not many political parties can have such complete experience. "However, we also know that in the last two decades, at least from 2004 until now, the communication and relationship between the two parties have often been considered to have not been as good as expected," he said.

Despite acknowledging the friction that has existed between PDI-P and the Democratic Party for two decades, Agus emphasized that he does not want to discuss the past. He even hopes that this meeting can become an oasis for national politics. Because practical politics often puts individuals or political parties in different positions. However, friendship and good relationships can lead them to find solutions to all the problems they face.

"Although it may not always be the same position and attitude again, God willing, for the nation and state, a reconciliation politics like this is highly needed and anticipated by the Indonesian community," said Agus.

ADRYAN YOGA PARAMADWYA

The Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Puan Maharani (left) and the Chairman of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (right) held a press conference in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta, on Sunday (18/6/2023).

He added that the future belongs to the young generation. Puan is referred to as a leader and politician with a complete political track record both in the executive and legislative branches. Similarly to Puan, Agus also wants to have the same commitment.

Therefore, he hopes that future meetings with Puan will not only discuss practical politics, but also various issues related to the nation, state, and people that can be woven together. "I am among those who want to continue to provide benefits and also play a role in social life, nationhood, and statehood with different backgrounds, but now in the same political world," said Agus.

The rift between PDI-P and Demokrat parties is due to the difference of opinions between PDI-P Chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri and Demokrat High Council Chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the past. When Megawati served as President from 2001-2004, Yudhoyono was appointed as the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs in the Gotong Royong Cabinet. Their relationship began to sour several months before the Legislative Election in 2004.

Less than a month before the legislative election in March 2004, Yudhoyono chose to step down from his position as Menkopolkam (Minister of Home Affairs and National Unity) citing that his authority had been tampered with. It was already known at that time that Yudhoyono would run for the presidential election in 2004 after forming the Democratic Party in 2003.

Also read: Once again about Democrats and PDI-P, Politics is a matter of the heart

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO

A mural depicting the Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia throughout history adorns the walls in the Petukangan Selatan area, Pesanggrahan District, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (21/12/2022).

Both became political rivals in the 2004 presidential election. Megawati, who was paired with Hasyim Muzadi, and Yudhoyono, who was accompanied by Jusuf Kalla, made it to the second round of the presidential election. In that contestation, Yudhoyono-Kalla won and were inaugurated as the President-Vice President for the 2004-2009 period.

Megawati and Yudhoyono faced each other again in the 2009 presidential election. At that time, Megawati ran with Prabowo Subianto, while Yudhoyono partnered with Budiono. Once again, Yudhoyono emerged as the winner and continued his government until 2014.

Since its defeat in the 2004 presidential election, the PDI-P was once again outside the government until Yudhoyono completed two periods of leadership in 2014. The situation then reversed when the PDI-P won the legislative and presidential elections in 2014 and 2019. During the last two administrations, it was in turn the Democratic Party that chose to consistently remain outside of the government.