Gerindra Opens Door for 2029 Alliance with PDIP After Prabowo Praises Governor

The ruling Gerindra Party in Indonesia has expressed its openness to collaborating with all political forces ahead of the 2029 general and presidential elections. This statement comes in response to President Prabowo Subianto's recent praise for Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, a politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP). Sugiat Santoso, a spokesperson for Gerindra, stated that the party is "widely opening its doors to any political force" for the 2029 elections. He indicated that collaboration, even with PDIP, is a possibility. "Whether later in the context of the presidential election and so on, Gerindra opens opportunities. Even with PDI-P," he added. President Prabowo, who also chairs Gerindra, had lauded Governor Anung's capabilities during the inauguration of the Jakarta LRT (Mass Rapid Transit) on Wednesday. "I must admit if there is a great governor, yes I admit he is great... Even if he is not from my party," Prabowo remarked, highlighting Anung's achievements. Sugiat clarified that Prabowo's presence and interaction with Anung at the LRT inauguration were purely for fulfilling his duties as president and not part of a political agenda. He emphasized that Gerindra is currently focused on supporting the programs and policies of President Prabowo Subianto's administration and has not yet engaged in political calculations for the 2029 elections. "So it cannot be interpreted that there is a political agenda in that meeting. It's just a form of working together," he said. He further added that the 2029 elections are still far off and discussions about political strategies are premature. "If in the context of political calculations, there is none yet. Because, once again, we are currently focused on, let's say, supporting the programs and policies of Mr. Prabowo Subianto," Sugiat stated. Despite Sugiat's assertions that the meeting was not political, the public display of camaraderie between the president and a prominent PDIP figure has sparked speculation about potential future political alignments in Indonesia. The political landscape in Indonesia often sees shifting alliances and rivalries in the years leading up to major elections.