TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Democrat Party chair Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, popularly known as SBY, is slated to meet Gerindra Party chief patron Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday to discuss the 2019 presidential election, according to the deputy chairman of the Democrat central board, Syarifuddin Hasan.
“[They will] meet on Wednesday, the time and place have not been decided yet,” said Syarifuddin at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, on Monday, July 16.
On Thursday, Syarif met Prabowo in the latter's residence in Kertanegara, South Jakarta, on Thursday, July 5. According to Gerindra's deputy chairman Ferry Juliantono, Prabowo and SBY will hold a follow-up meeting.
Read: SBY, Prabowo to Talk on Possible Coalition
Ferry hoped the meeting would open up opportunities for a coalition between both parties. He added the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) were cognizant of the meeting. “God willing, it will open a way for a possible coalition,” he said.
To date, the Democrat has yet to give any hint as to which camp it would take ahead of the presidential race. Jokowi's camp presently comprises the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the Golkar Party, the United Development Party (PPP), the National Democrat Party (NasDem), the People's Conscience Party (Hanura), and the National Awakening Party (PKB).
Read: SBY Pledges Conscientious, Bright Leaders for 2019
Commenting on the coalitions, Syarif said that Gerindra's coalition, which back Prabowo as a presidential hopeful, was also almost solid with PKS and PAN. "The Democrat is not afraid to miss the train, we are still communicating with all parties, in a short time, we will make the choice,” he said.
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