IO – The Great Indonesia Movement (Gerakan Indonesia Raya – “Gerindra”) Party received a visit from a representative of the Prosperous Justice Party Central Leadership Council (Dewan Pimpinan Pusat Partai Keadilan Sejahtera – “DPP PKS”) at the Offices of Gerindra DPP, Jakarta, on Tuesday (04/05/2021). Gerindra Party General Chairman Prabowo Subianto directly welcomed PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu and his entourage. The Meeting was part of PKS social overture visits to other political parties. Before visiting Gerindra, PKS had met up with United Development Party (Partai Persatuan Pembangunan – “PPP”), National Awakening Party (Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa – “PKB”), Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan “PDIP”), Democrat Party, Functional Group (Golongan Karya – “Golkar”) Party, and National Democrat (“Nasdem”) Party.
Prabowo reported that the two party leaders indulged in nostalgia, recalling the moment when they cooperated during Presidential Elections and Regional Head Elections. The two parties are currently going in opposing directions: Gerindra entered the Government coalition, while PKS remained as the opposition. However, Prabowo reiterates that Gerindra and PKS remain friendly and respectful towards each other. “Yes, we do have differences in some points, but difference is good. They are now outside of the Government coalition, while we are part of it. But we remain friends, we respect each other, and we correct and remind each other sometimes in this capacity,” he said at the Gerindra DPP Office.
Prabowo went on to disclose that his meeting with Ahmad Syaikhu covered various national issues, such as the commitment to maintain the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. “PKS expressed to us their commitment towards Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, towards nationalism, and their intention to prioritize harmony in national development. PKS is committed to maintain the integrity of the nation, to develop the country alongside us. That is all,” he said.
Meanwhile, PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu declared that the other purpose of PKS visit to Gerindra is to introduce their new management, new party logo, and new marching anthem. “Alhamdulillah, praised be to Allah, we played the new marching anthem and hymn in the meeting, and alhamdulillah, Mr. Prabowo responded wonderfully,” he said. (Dessy)