Indonesian Political Figures Joke About Presidency Amidst Election Buzz

At the 28th anniversary celebration of Indonesia's People's Consultative Party (PAN), party chairman Zulkifli Hasan, widely known as Zulhas, made lighthearted remarks regarding the presidency. He commented on the difficulty of leading a political party and suggested that the position of president is even more demanding, implying that Prabowo Subianto would be the suitable candidate for the top job. Addressing Bahlil Lahadalia, the chairman of the Golkar Party and Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Zulhas stated, "Mr. Bahlil, being a party chairman is challenging. Being president is even more so. I believe you and I agree on this." He then posed the question, "Let's leave the presidency to Mr. Prabowo, shall we?" to which Bahlil responded with an affirmative gesture. Prabowo himself acknowledged the remark with a smile and a raised hand. Zulhas also touched upon Muhaimin Iskandar, the chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and a potential vice-presidential candidate, noting, "Mr. Muhaimin is still contemplating running for president, while Mr. Bahlil and I are not." This comment drew laughter from the attendees. He humorously praised the chairman of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), Abdul Muzammil Yusuf, stating, "Dr. Al Muzammil Yusuf has already become a president in his capacity as party leader." During the event, discussions also revolved around the proposed increase in the parliamentary threshold from 4% to 5%. Zulhas expressed PAN's willingness to accept any decision reached through consensus among the coalition parties. "We are a coalition, with friends from Gerindra and others. What's important is deliberation and consensus. We are like a family, working together through discussion and consensus. Whatever is agreed upon, we will follow, including regarding the parliamentary threshold. But there must be a collective agreement. That is the most important thing," he told reporters. The proposal to raise the parliamentary threshold is a consequence of a Constitutional Court decision and could influence the dynamics among political parties in the upcoming general elections. Source: CNN Indonesia