TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Golkar Party chairman Airlangga Hartarto said his meeting with Gerindra Party chief patron Prabowo Subianto aimed at building political stability that was necessary particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned that Golkar and Gerindra were both part of the government's coalition.

“Political stability will be better with silaturahim (a friendly meeting), so this gathering will consolidate the government,” said Airlangga in a press conference before Prabowo's residence on Jalan Kertanegara IV, South Jakarta, Monday, July 6.

According to him, he exchanged ideas with Prabowo on a number of matters during the session, starting from geopolitical issues up to the regional head elections (Pilkada) 2020, which will take place in December this year.

Airlangga said Golkar and Gerindra agreed to form a coalition in a number of regions that will hold local elections, claiming that his party has many similarities with Gerindra and would continue to have intense communication.

“In fact, we quite often have informal discussions in the cabinet without, but here the interfactional relationship between Golkar and Gerindra’ is seamless,” said the Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

Prabowo also seconded Airlangga’s statement that they talked of the regional head elections. Besides, the Defense Minister said they shared views on national issues.

“We discuss several issues regarding the nation, strategic environment, and possible cooperation between Golkar and Gerindra in certain local elections in the future,” he said.

Prabowo and Airlangga Hartarto met for about an hour. During the session, Prabowo was accompanied by his sec-gen Ahmad Muzani and deputy chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Sugiono. Meanwhile, Airlangga arrived with several party officials including Azis Syamsuddin, Nurul Arifin, Meutya Hafidz, Kahar Muzakkir, and Adies Kadier.

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