Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Political reconciliation marks a new era of unity in Indonesian politics

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Julian Isaac

Journalist

Editor

Interview

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.

Julian Isaac

Journalist

 

Editor

 

Interview

SUBSCRIBE NOW
We will provide you with an invoice for your reimbursable expenses.

Free

New to Indonesian market? Read our free articles before subscribing to the premium plan. If you already run your business in Indonesia, make sure to subscribe to the premium subscription so you won’t miss any intelligence & business opportunities.

Premium

$550 USD/Year

or

$45 USD/Month

Cancelation: you can cancel your subscription at any time, by sending us an email inquiry@ibp-media.com

Add keywords to your market watch and receive notification:
Schedule a free consultation with us:

We’ll contact you for confirmation.

FURTHER READING

The Ministry of Trade supports the plan to extend the relaxation of copper concentrate exports for PTFI until December 2025. The recommendation was issued during the PTFI Copper Concentrate Export Policy Meeting led by Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto.
The House of Representatives (DPR) has decided to postpone all budget efficiency discussions in each commission with ministries/institutions due to budget reconstruction policy by the government.
Minister of Investment and Downstream/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board, Rosan P. Roeslani, renews the Indonesian government’s commitment to achieve 8-percent economic growth by 2029 driven by investment and industrial transformation.
Indonesia must enhance its business environment to accelerate economic growth and escape the middle-income trap, according to Norman Loaiza, Director of the Global Indicators Group at the World Bank Group. Speaking at the launch of the Business Ready (Be Ready) Report, Loaiza highlighted key areas where Indonesia needs improvement to attract investments and foster a dynamic private sector.
PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) in North Maluku has been reported to the Ministry of Environment by Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) for alleged environmental destruction.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has clarified on the search conducted at three rooms of  the Office of the Directorate General of Oil & Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) located on Jalan Rasuna Said in Central Jakarta on Monday, February 10, 2025.