REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The meeting between Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday night has made the path to coalse between Democratic Party and Gerindra Party's coalition wide opened. As a follow up, Democratic Party General Chairman SBY planned a meeting with National Mandate Party (PAN) Chairman Zulkifli Hasan as member of the coalition.

“Mr SBY is scheduled to meet Mr Zulkifli tonight at 19.30 WIB (Indonesian Western Standard Time),” said Democratic Party executive Ferdinand Hutahaean on Wednesday (July 25).

According to him, the meeting was a meant to finalize coalition. Ferdinand said the axis agreed to build coalition consisted of Gerindra Party, National Mandate Party (PAN), Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and Democratic Party.

“Hopefully other parties, namely PBB, Berkarya and Garuda parties, will join to strengthen coalition,” Ferdinand added.

SBY and Prabowo met on Tuesday (July 24) to discuss about 2019 presidential election. According to Prabowo, the two parties have a good chemistry.

General Chairman of Democratic Party Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (left) and General Chairman of Gerindra Party Prabowo Subianto greet the reporters before conducting a meeting at Yudhoyono's house in Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, Tuesday (July 24) night.

Meanwhile, SBY said the result of his meeting with Prabowo will be conveyed to the ranks of the Democratic Party's High Assembly as the highest forum of his party that would take coalition decision.

Previously, Zulkifli Hasan was invited by incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to Bogor Palace on Tuesday (July 24). The invitation came after Jokowi met six party leaders of the government coalition, namely Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Golkar Party, Nasdem party, National Awakening Party (PKB), United Development Party (PPP), and Hanura Party on Monday July 23.

However, Zulkifli refused to comment about his meeting with Jokowi. He promised to explained it later, including whether PAN was invited to join Jokowi's axis.

Zulkifli only said PAN existence is needed by all axis. He also asserted that the party has not decided yet on the direction of the coalition in 2019 presidential election.

 “Later will be explain, Insya Allah (God’s will) PAN is needed by all,” Zulkifli said.

Meanwhile, PAN Deputy Secretary-General, Faldo Maldini said his party has not decided yet whether to join President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) axis or the opposition. He stressed that the decision to be made at national working meeting (Rakernas) in the near future.

“Just wait in the next two weeks, there will be decision from PAN,” Faldo added on Tuesday night.

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