PKB is reluctant to rush to discuss the minister even though it supports Prabowo

The Muhaimin-Prabowo meeting has not yet discussed the division of seat allocations that will be obtained by the National Awakening Party.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

The elected president for the period of 2024-2029, Prabowo Subianto, met with the Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), who is also the former candidate for vice president, number 1, Muhaimin Iskandar, at the PKB Central Office in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The National Awakening Party has openly stated that it will support the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka government by entrusting eight change programs. However, discussions on the allocation of ministerial seats that will be obtained by PKB from the results of this support have not been decided. Because, there are still six months for Prabowo-Gibran to assemble the next government cabinet.

After Prabowo-Gibran were declared by the General Election Commission on Wednesday (24/4/2024) as the elected president and vice president, Prabowo immediately met with the Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar at the PKB DPP Office in Jakarta. Following the meeting, PKB expressed their support for Prabowo-Gibran by entrusting eight programs of change.

Chairman of the Central Leadership Council of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Daniel Johan, explained that the meeting showed that the relationship between the PKB and Gerindra is very good. In fact, the friendship between Muhaimin and Prabowo is also very close. The meeting was also held in the atmosphere of the Idul Fitri halalbihalal tradition, which is considered good for maintaining cordial relations after the presidential election.

Daniel Johan stated that the meeting did not yet discuss the allocation of seat quotas that will be obtained by PKB, including the ministry portion it will receive. He even denied information that PKB would get two ministerial seats in the Prabowo-Gibran government. According to him, the one-hour meeting was to entrust PKB's struggle programs that have been beneficial for the people.

Also read: Political Lobbying Continues, Prabowo Scheduled to Receive Surya Paloh

ADRYAN YOGA PARAMADWYA

The Head of the Energy and Natural Resources Division of the PKB DPP, Daniel Johan, spoke at a public discussion entitled "Imlek and Dark History of Discrimination in Indonesia" at the PKB DPP office in Jakarta on Friday (20/1/2023).

"As far as I understand, yesterday's meeting did not discuss it to that extent," said Daniel, Thursday (25/4/2024).

According to Daniel, the eight programs for change submitted include caring for and improving the quality of democracy, freedom of opinion, press freedom, ensuring broad access to employment, ensuring equal and fair economic access for the people, as well as maintaining ecological justice and ecosystem balance. "The content is about PKB's struggle program so far, which we believe is substantively important for the welfare of the people and Indonesia," he said.

As far as I understand, yesterday's meeting did not discuss that far.

Deputy Secretary General of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Syaiful Huda, added that in the meeting between Muhaimin and Prabowo, there was no discussion regarding the allocation of seats for PKB. PKB still has time until October 20th, 2024, when the elected president and vice president are inaugurated.

"For PKB, that's still a long way to go until October 20. The meeting only discusses the substance for the betterment of the nation. As for details, especially regarding the distribution of ministers, it has not been discussed at all," said Huda.

Too early

Separately, a member of the Expert Council of the Prabowo-Gibran Campaign Team who is also the Chairman of the Expert Council of the Amanat Nasional Party, Dradjad Wibowo, said that it is still too early to discuss the composition of the Prabowo-Gibran cabinet, including the allocation of seats for political parties. Moreover, the inauguration of the new president-vice president will take place in October. In addition, several parties are predicted to join the Koalisi Indonesia Maju which supports Prabowo-Gibran.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The General Chairman of the Nasdem Party, Surya Paloh, shook hands with the president-elect Prabowo Subianto during a press conference after their meeting at the Nasdem Tower in Jakarta on Friday (22/3/2024).

Indeed, many parties have put forward suggestions for names. I am sure that Mr. Prabowo will decide in due time, of course after discussing with Mas Gibran and the party's general chairpersons. In addition, he will certainly also obtain input from President Jokowi.

"There are indeed many parties giving suggestions for names. I am sure that eventually Mr. Prabowo will make a decision, of course after discussing with Mr. Gibran and the general chairpersons of the parties. In addition, of course, he will also obtain input from President Jokowi," he said.

Also read: Prabowo Embraces Opponent's Camp, Supporting Party Worries About Losing Cabinet Seats

Dradjad continued, PAN welcomes several political parties who want to join the Prabowo-Gibran coalition. With this, the future government can run effectively. Moreover, Prabowo-Gibran's programs require many breakthroughs. "Regarding ministerial seats, there is no problem. It can be arranged later," said Dradjad.

It is known that since he was announced as the presidential candidate with the most votes based on the quick count results, Prabowo has indeed expressed his intention to embrace all political forces, including his opponents during the 2024 presidential election. When appointed as president-elect at the KPU, he again invited all elites to leave behind differences and build a nation together.