TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Agus Harimuirti Yudhoyono (AHY) said that he did not discuss political issues during a lunch with President Jokowi and his son Gibran Rakabumi. Agus underlined that he did not represent the Democrat Party in his visit to the Presidential Palace.
Agus explained that the party has a clear political structure. “I did not represent the Democrat Party; I’m not in the structure,” said AHY at the Presidential Palace compound in Jakarta yesterday, August 10.
Nevertheless, Agus said that President Jokowi wanted to maintain good communication regarding national politics with his father Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). “I agree. In a democracy, we could change stances,” he said, adding that different opinions are normal as long as communication is maintained.
On his loss in Jakarta election, Agus said that he will now build friendships with a wide range of people. He does not wish to prolong hatred or vengeance among supporters. “When it’s done, it’s done. Don’t take it too far, don't drag it on,” he said.
After the one-hour long meeting with Jokowi, Agus Harimuirti Yudhoyono said that he was impressed with the former’s way of thinking. He said that the President stressed the importance of creating new cadres and is open to speaking with others.
ADITYA BUDIMAN