PKS Decides to Support Anies-Muhaimin, Democrats Give Signal of Approaching Prabowo

After going through a number of considerations and lobbying, PKS finally decided to support Muhaimin Iskandar as Anies Rasyid Baswedan's vice presidential candidate.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in PKS Putuskan Dukung Anies-Muhaimin, Demokrat Beri Sinyal Merapat ke Prabowo

KOMPAS/NIKOLAUS HARBOWO

A group of elites from PKB, Nasdem, and PKS were photographed together with the candidate pair for the presidential and vice-presidential elections, Anies Rasyid Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, after the pair was officially supported by PKS on Friday (15/9/2023) at the PKS DPP office in Jakarta.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - After going through the Shura Council deliberations, the Prosperous Justice Party or PKS finally decided to support the pair Anies Rasyid Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar as a presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election. Anies-Muhaimin also believes that the Coalition for Change will be more solid and ready to welcome the 2024 Presidential Election.

With PKS having joined the Coalition for Change, practically The Democratic Party is the only party in parliament that has not yet determined the direction of the coalition. The Democrats are still exploring communication with two other coalition axes, both the prospective presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, and the potential presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto. However, it is acknowledged that the direction of the coalition is stronger towards Prabowo.

The decision of PKS to support the Anies-Muhaimin partnership was announced directly by PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu after the 9th PKS Syura Council Meeting at the PKS Central Office in Jakarta on Friday (September 15, 2023). Anies and Muhaimin, along with several elites from the Nasdem Party and the People's Awakening Party (PKB), were also present at the meeting.

The second decision decides that Mr. Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar is the prospective vice presidential candidate for the Indonesian Republic to accompany Mr. Anies Rasyid Baswedan in the 2024 presidential election.

Ahmad Syaikhu stated that previously, on Tuesday (12/9/2023), the central board of PKS had received a visit from the Nasdem and PKB elites, as well as Anies-Muhaimin. The warm and familial result of the visit was reported to the forum of the Musyawarah Majelis Syura held on Friday afternoon.

He revealed that the Musyawarah Majelis Syura forum went well, solemn, and full of togetherness. From the forum, several decisions were found. The first decision was to strengthen the decision of the Eighth Musyawarah Majelis Syura which had endorsed Anies as the prospective presidential candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres).

"The second decision is to appoint Mr. Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar as the potential vice presidential candidate for the Republic of Indonesia, accompanying Mr. Anies Rasyid Baswedan in the 2024 Presidential Election," said Syaikhu.

The next decision, the Musyawarah Majelis Syura forum approved and confirmed Anies and Muhaimin as the presidential and vice-presidential candidate pair who will be officially supported by PKS in the 2024 presidential election. Syaikhu emphasized that, by nominating the Anies-Muhaimin pair, PKS is optimistic about solidifying victory based on the spirit of Islamic brotherhood, national brotherhood, and human brotherhood.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Ahmad Shaikhu

The fifth decision instructs all managers, members, and the extended family of PKS to work with total dedication to win the Anies Rasyid Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the 2024 elections, said Syaikhu.

After reading the decision, Syaikhu placed a traditional cap on Anies and Muhaimin. All members welcomed the joyful moment.

Entering a new chapter

Anies welcomes the support from PKS. For him, this momentum marks a new chapter for the Coalition for Change. "This coalition is not just targeting victory. Winning is just the beginning. What we carry is the desire for a fairer, more prosperous Indonesia, which protects every drop of its blood," he said.

He continued, the process that has been undergoing for some time is not a purposeless political process. The mission brought by the Coalition for Change is to make Indonesia a country that brings a sense of justice, a country that produces a sense of equality, and a government that provides protection for every drop of Indonesian blood.

"The mission that we intend to carry out is a great and noble mission. That is the task and mandate that we have been entrusted with. To carry out that mission, we all know that there is a process that must be passed. Bringing justice, equality, and protection is about authority. An authority that is used to execute it. And this authority is given by the people through the presidential and legislative election process, which is what we are going through now," said Anies.

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Anies Baswedan

Anies is grateful that the coalition of political parties, Nasdem, PKB, and PKS, can make the Coalition for Change even more solid and stronger. With that, the hope is that the Coalition for Change can win the Presidential Election in 2024 and carry out a mission that will bring prosperity to the Indonesian people.

Muhaimin is grateful for the trust given by PKS to him and Anies. As the General Chairman of PKB, he also declares his readiness to work together with PKB-PKS in facing the victory in the 2024 Election.

He revealed that the camaraderie between himself, Anies, and PKS had actually been established for a long time, both in legislative and executive branches, as well as in the Jakarta Provincial Government. The collaboration between PKB and PKS was also reflected in the 2014 presidential election coalition, where he and the Chairman of the PKS Advisory Council, Salim Segaf Al-Jufri, were part of the cabinet led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"Today's togetherness is a reunion and unity in welcoming a more advanced, just and prosperous Indonesia. Today's togetherness is a continuous strengthening of brotherhood in Islam, national brotherhood, and humanitarian brotherhood," said Muhaimin.

Democratic direction

With the decision of PKS to support the pair of Anies-Muhaimin, there is essentially only one party left in parliament, namely the Democratic Party, which has not determined its coalition direction. Head of Strategic Communication Agency of the Democratic Party DPP, Herzaky Mahendra Putra, said that it is not impossible for the Democrats to join the Koalisi Indonesia Maju and support potential presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto.

The Indonesian Forward Coalition currently consists of Gerindra Party, Golkar Party, National Mandate Party (PAN), Non-Star Party (PBB), Garuda Party, and Gelora Party. Please note that the word "PBB" should not be translated.

KOMPAS/ALIF ICHWAN

The meeting between the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and the Chairman of Gerindra and presidential candidate, Prabowo Subianto, was held behind closed doors. Both of them were seen shaking hands after holding a press conference at the residence of the 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in Jakarta on Friday (21/12/18).

According to Herzaky, the Democrat party has a long history with Golkar during the reign of the 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Currently, the relationship between the Democrat Party's Chairman, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, and Golkar's Chairman, Airlangga Hartarto, is quite close, as well as with the PAN cadre.

"It is possible (to join the Indonesian Forward Coalition). It is possible that this time we can support Mr. Prabowo together," said Herzaky.

However, Herzaky continued, the Democratic Party also has a good relationship with PDI-P. It is noted that PDI-P, along with the United Development Party (PPP), Hanura Party, and Perindo Party have declared their support for Ganjar Pranowo as presidential candidate.

So far, according to Herzaky, communication between the Democratic Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has been smooth. This is reflected in the good relationship between Agus and the Chairman of PDI-P's Central Executive Board, Puan Maharani. According to Herzaky, the two, as young leaders, have a very good track record in their respective fields of service.

Not wanting to speculate too far, Herzaky asks the public to wait for the final decision of the Democratic Party's High Council (MTP). Agus, as the party chairman, will also give a recommendation to the MTP on where the Democrats should anchor.

“No matter where we land, the interests of the people, nation and state are still our priority. "People first, the people are the main thing, as Mas AHY (Agus) always emphasizes," stressed Herzaky.

DOKUMENTASI DPP PARTAI DEMOKRAT

The visit of the General Chairman of the Democratic Party, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to the residence of the General Chairman of the Democratic Party, Prabowo Subianto, in Jakarta on Monday (30/07/2018).

Deputy Secretary General of the Democratic Party, Jansen Sitindaon, hopes that the cooperation that will be established between the Democrats and a certain coalition can be based on comfort, equality, and understanding. With that, all political parties in the coalition can work together for victory.

"The issue of where we will 'come together' is currently being processed within the internal workings of the Democratic Party. Communication and exploration related to this matter are currently being conducted. What is certain is that, for now, we Democrats remain open to both the Pak Prabowo coalition and Mas Ganjar. Hopefully, a decision can be made soon." said Jansen.

Separately, Deputy Chairman of Gerindra Habiburokhman confirmed that political communication between Gerindra and the Democratic Party is running very well. He hopes that the Democratic Party can soon join the Coalition of Maju Indonesia.

"We communicate. We say that based on the experiences of colleagues who have previously formed a coalition with Mr. Prabowo and Gerindra Party, they all feel honored. The most important thing in a coalition is equality, how to share roles equally. It's important to make sure that there's no one being marginalized in the coalition," said Habiburokhman.

If the Democratic Party joins the Indonesian Progress Coalition, according to Habiburokhman, it will not be seen as a complement to fulfill the registration threshold for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. This is because, their coalition so far is already enough to "sail". However, the addition of the Democratic Party, he continued, will be seen as a complement to bring a great victory for Prabowo.

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

Hasto Kristiyanto

Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Hasto Kristiyanto, stated that communication with the Democratic Party has been going smoothly so far. In fact, in mid-June 2023, previously, Puan had already communicated with Agus.

"The meeting between Mbak Puan and Mas AHY (Agus) has received a very positive response from Indonesian society. We also communicate at the secretariat level. And thirdly, communication within the DPR faction," said Hasto.

Hasto hopes that every political collaboration established should be dedicated to the nation and state. Therefore, when they are matched together, the political collaboration is based on strengthening commitments, not on short-term interests.

"Thus, we also give an explanation that working together with PDI Perjuangan, Pak Ganjar Pranowo is not about seizing power, but the master is the people. So, this is the foundation why commitment to the nation and state should be prioritized and we believe that Demokrat also prioritizes that," said Hasto."

Regardless of that, Hasto added that on September 29, 2023, PDI-P will hold a national working meeting (rakernas) that will be held in Kemayoran, Jakarta. This rakernas is a part of party consolidation after all potential legislative candidates (caleg) have been determined.

"So, in the national coordination meeting, there will be a briefing for prospective legislative candidates to better understand the map in each electoral district, as well as to win Pak Ganjar Pranowo," said Hasto.

Contemplate for a moment

Meanwhile, Ganjar is currently in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. It is planned that he will return to his home country on Saturday (16/9/2023) tomorrow.

ISTANA KEPRESIDENAN/AGUS SUPARTO

From the left, the Chairman of the PDIP's National Executive Board, Puan Maharani, the President Joko Widodo, the PDIP's Chairwoman Megawati Soekarno Putri, the Prospective Presidential Candidate of PDIP, Ganjar Pranowo, and the Chairman of the PDIP's Central Executive Board Prananda Prabowo took a photo together after the announcement of PDIP's prospective presidential candidate, which was held at Batutulis Palace, Bogor City, West Java, on Friday (21/4/2023).

The Head of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDIP), Said Abdullah, stated that after serving as the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar preferred to take a moment of contemplation in the Holy Land. This umrah pilgrimage is also important for Ganjar as he will face a major event, the 2024 Presidential Election.

"As someone who is on an umrah trip, contemplation and prayer are included. After that, only then will I resume my excursion, meeting with various figures and so on," Said said.

Said revealed that Ganjar had the opportunity to pay a visit to the renowned Islamic scholar, Sayyid Ahmad bin Muhammad Al Maliki, at his residence in Hay Al Rashifah, a suburb of Mina City, Saudi Arabia, during his pilgrimage to perform umrah on Thursday (14/9/2023) yesterday. Sayyid Ahmad is a renowned scholar whose students come from various countries, including a large number from Indonesia.

"I was told a story by Mas Ganjar, who was warmly received by Abuya Sayyid Ahmad. Mas Ganjar received a spiritual injection from Abuya Sayyid Ahmad. He was given a sermon which truly strengthened his heart, as well as important prayers and practices to steadfastly carry out good deeds," said Said.