PAN Chairman Zulhas Rules Out 2029 Presidential Bid, Reaffirms Support for Prabowo

Zulkifli Hasan, the Chairman of Indonesia's National Awakening Party (PAN), has officially stated he will not run for president in the 2029 election, reaffirming his party's strong commitment to supporting incumbent President Prabowo Subianto. Saleh Partaonan Daulay, the Deputy Chairman of PAN's Central Executive Board, confirmed that Zulhas and PAN have consistently supported Prabowo and that party cadres are instructed to focus on ensuring the success of government programs, particularly those impacting the public. Daulay explained that many PAN cadres hold positions in the executive and legislative branches, and their primary focus is on fulfilling their duties to advance government initiatives. Zulhas himself reportedly views the current government's achievements as significant and believes the ongoing plans need to be continued to completion. Known for his candid political pronouncements, sometimes delivered with humor, Zulhas's messages are serious, according to Daulay. He described PAN's political dynamics as characterized by loyalty and steadfastness, noting that the party tends to remain committed once comfortable. PAN's overarching goal is to see its tagline, "Gerak Cepat, Bantu Rakyat" (Fast Action, Help the People), resonate nationwide. This, the party believes, requires diligent effort and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the government and the private sector. Zulhas made his intention clear during the 28th anniversary celebration of PAN in Jakarta on Friday, September 18th. He humorously remarked to Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia that they agreed the presidency should remain with Prabowo Subianto. Addressing PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) also present, Zulhas stated that while he, Lahadalia, and Iskandar all support Prabowo's aspirations, Lahadalia and he himself were unlikely to run for president, whereas Cak Imin was still considering his options.