Indonesia's Prabowo gets support from biggest party, but no coalition deal yet

17/10/2024 16:59

        Indonesia's largest political party said it would support incoming president Prabowo Subianto, but it was unclear on Thursday whether it would formally join his already dominant coalition just days ahead of the inauguration ceremony.
        
        If Prabowo, who will take over the presidency on Sunday, can reach a deal with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) there would be no opposition parties in parliament, an unprecedented situation since Indonesia began holding direct presidential elections in 2004.
        
        According to state media, Puan Maharani, house speaker and a senior PDIP official, said, "We're solid in supporting the incoming government as a way to build Indonesia's future." It was unclear whether or not she meant the PDIP was joining the coalition.
        
        There has been persistent talk about a meeting between PDIP chief Megawati Sukarnoputri and Prabowo in recent weeks, and Puan said one would "hopefully" take place but did not give a specific time.
        
        A top Prabowo aide said earlier this week the two would meet without giving details on timing.