Political reconciliation marks a new era of unity in Indonesian politics

  • Published on 08/04/2024 at 08:22 GMT+7

  • Reading time

In the wake of the quinquennial political festivity, the movement towards reconciliation among competing factions within Indonesia's political coalition has become an integral part of the country's political dynamics.

A tangible example of this occurred in 2019 when President Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto shook hands at a Jakarta MRT station, setting the tone for ending the intense polarization following the elections.

This unity was further realized through the formation of the Indonesia Maju Cabinet (Onward Indonesia Cabinet) for the 2019-2024 period, with Prabowo appointed as the Minister of Defense.

Fast forward to 2024, Prabowo, now declared the winner and elected President for the 2024-2029 term by the General Election Commission (KPU), wasted no time in continuing this spirit of reconciliation.

On March 22, 2024, Prabowo paid a visit to Surya Paloh, the Chairman of the NasDem Party, at the NasDem Tower in Jakarta, reciprocating Surya's congratulatory message upon his victory.

Despite being on opposing sides during the 2024 elections – with Prabowo representing the

Gerindra Party and Surya endorsing Anies Baswedan as presidential candidate – the two political elites met, sparking discussions about potential visits to other parties, including the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the United Development Party (PPP).

While these reconciliation efforts unfolded, there were preceding dynamics, including discussions about using parliamentary inquiry rights initiated by presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, which ultimately dissipated during the session at the House of Represetatives (DPR).

Despite these earlier tensions, the absence of such discussions by the session's end was seen as a positive turn of events.

Moreover, hints of reconciliation emerged as Puan Maharani, Executive chair of PDI-P and Speaker of the House, met with Rosan Roeslani, the Head of Prabowo-Gibran's Campaign Team, suggesting a bridge was being built. This meeting, characterized as a part of routine interaction, holds significant implications for the reconciliation process.

Looking ahead, prospects for a meeting between Prabowo and Puan Maharani are on the horizon, signaling potential breakthroughs in political reconciliation.

Similarly, discussions about a meeting between Prabowo and Megawati Soekarnoputri, the Chairwoman of the PDI Perjuangan, have garnered attention, showcasing a positive trajectory towards national unity.

In essence, these efforts underscore that reconciliation transcends mere political maneuvering; it symbolizes a collective commitment to national progress. As political leaders come together to build bridges, Indonesia takes significant strides towards a future characterized by unity and shared prosperity.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Freemium

    Start reading
  • Monthly Subscription
    20% OFF

    $29.75 $37.19/Month


    Cancel anytime

    This offer is open to all new subscribers!

    Subscribe now
  • Yearly Subscription
    33% OFF

    $228.13 $340.5/Year


    Cancel anytime

    This offer is open to all new subscribers!

    Subscribe now

Set up email notifications for these topics

Read Also

  • Prabowo Subianto

    Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo

    Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo was born in Jakarta on the 17th of October 1951 to a distinguished family. Djojohadikusumo is the current Minister of Defence. His father, Prof. Dr Soemitro Djojohadikusumo was a famous Indonesian economist as well as the architect of the economic plan for the New Order. Soemitro was also a Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Finance during Soekarno’s era and a Minister of Trade and Minister of Research during Soeharto’s era. His grandfather, Margono Djojohadikusumo was one of the founders of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI). He is the youngest of 4, and his brother, Hashim Sudjono Djojohadikusumo, is an Indonesian conglomerate. He was married to Siti Hediati Hariyadi, the daughter of Soeharto, Former President of Indonesia from 1983 to 1998. He is a father to his son, Ragowo Hediprasetyo as known as Didiet, who currently lives in Paris, France as a designer. 

  • Screenshot_12

    Criticism and speculation surround President Joko Widodo's meeting with political party leaders

    President Joko Widodo received a number of criticisms from various political circles regarding his meeting with a number of political party leaders at the state palace. It was rumored that the meeting was held to discuss the 2024 general election.

  • Wakil-Ketua-Harian-Partai-Gerindra-Sugiono-3245456

    Sugiono flies for BRICS Summit in Russia

    One day after the inauguration of the Red-and-White Cabinet of President Prabowo Subianto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, flew to Russia for the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, after a brief stopover in Aceh.

  • Screenshot_1

    Prabowo Subianto unveils economic programs for the people aiming for economic revival

    Prabowo Subianto, Chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) and also the Minister of Defense has proclaimed five economic programs for the Indonesian people in several fields.

How can we help you?