TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla or JK and presidential candidate number 02 Prabowo Subianto have met on Thursday afternoon, May 23, said the deputy secretary of Jokowi - Ma’ruf campaign team Ahmad Rofiq.

“[They met] at Dharmawangsa area,” Rofiq told Tempo on Friday, May 24, adding that the meeting helped cooling down the rising political tension in the past three days.

“We are relieved and highly appreciate Pak Prabowo's move to hold a dialogue with Pak JK.”

According to Rofiq, the session cheered the people and his campaign team believed that the Gerindra party chairman is a true statesman who served the country since his young age until date. “Of course he wants the country’s situation to be calmer, more conducive, and without violence. Besides, he has determined to take a constitutional way to go forward to MK (Constitutional Court),” Rofiq said.

Gerindra party advisory board member, Maher Algadri, also confirmed the meeting between the two figures. But he claimed he did not join and unaware of the meeting location.

“All I know is the meeting took place this afternoon,” said Maher, a Prabowo’s close friend, when Tempo met on Jalan Kertanegara, South Jakarta, Thursday evening, May 23.

Maher said that it was a common discussion to share thoughts and so was political communication that not merely aimed to conclude a decision or transactional agreement.

He further said that such a meeting would bring a good impact on the current situation. At least, he added, each team could directly hear and know other’s opinion.

DEWI NURITA | BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI