TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Justice Prosperous Party (PKS) spokesman Mardani Ali Sera said they would stay in the Merah Putih Coalition as a reflection of political ethics. "We want to stay loyal," Mardani said yesterday.
The permanent coalition commitment is not only the decision of the party’s central board, he added. This move has also been discussed with the party’s shura council. "The point is it is not ethical to have a thought to change coalition when coalition partners are struggling.".
For PKS, permanent coalition is a breakthrough in Indonesia’s political culture since it is not only to support the victory of Prabowo Subianto and Hata Rajasa, but is also a basis for cooperation in the parliament.
"In developing countries where building a political identity is a serious matter, they have to decide their position. Permanent coalition needs to be realized to balance out executive power which is in line with vision and mission of each party," Mardani explained.
PKS said they are not tempted even though some members of the coalition have been rumored to move to the Great Indonesia Coalition camp. "We think that’s normal. It’s a dynamic that we have to appreciate in a multi-party era. But what they will do will keep being monitored. The public is not stupid," he said.
RIKY FERDIANTO
