TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chief of the Democratic Party Honorary Board Amir Syamsuddin, said that the Party now supports Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla, following its chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's policy. "Democrat must follow the decision of its chairman," he said.
Amir later explained that the party has remained neutral, citing that there was no coalition declaration with Prabowo-Hatta. The statement contradicts the stance of some Democratic Party elites such as Edhie Baskoro.
Democrat's approach towards Jokowi-JK helps destroy the Merah Putih Coalition, particularly when other supporting parties in the coalition are having internal issues. The Functional Group (Golkar) party has urged Aburizal Bakrie to immediatelly admit Jokowi-JK's victory. Meanwhile, Chairman of United Development Party (PPP) Suharso Monoarfa said that the support towards Jokowi-JK will be decided at national level. Both Golkar and PPP are members of Merah Putih Coalition.
Prabowo, on the other hand, believed that the Merah Putih Coalition will remain solid. He said that the declaration is sacred and binding. "When you sign a contract or declaration, you will keep the deal, even if you are sick," he said.
FRANSISCO ROSARIANS | SUNDARI SUDJIANTO | ANANDA TERESIA | IRA GUSLINA SUFA | RIKY FERDIANTO | REZA ADITYA
