JAKARTADAILY.ID - General Chair of the Democratic National Party (NasDem), Surya Paloh, visited the Democratic Party DPP office, Wednesday 22 February 2023.
The arrival of Surya Paloh in the pouring rain was warmly welcomed, and directly under the umbrella of the General Chairperson of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY).
In a joint press conference after lunch, AHY explained the similarities between the views of the Democrats and NasDem in addressing various national issues, one of which is related to the closed proportional electoral system discourse. Democrats and Nasdem agreed to reject efforts to restore centralized democracy.
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“In fact, we who have continued to experience changes throughout the ages have believed that an open proportional electoral system is the best, relevant, needed in a democracy as diverse and as dynamic as Indonesia. If we return to a closed proportional system, it means we are setting back, going back a dozen years," explained AHY.
Regarding the Coalition for Change, AHY emphasized that the communication between Democrats, Nasdem, and PKS was getting better and more intensive.
According to AHY, the three political parties have the same passion for encouraging change and improvement for a better future for Indonesia.
AHY also emphasized that the stance and political position of the Democratic Party to nominate Anies Baswedan as a presidential candidate as stated on January 26 2023 was not just a test of the water.
The attitude of the Democrats has gone through intensive processes, consultations, internal communications, and Democratic structures from the center to the regions.
"We agree that in order to carry out changes and improvements, we must also be able to provide space for Brother Anies Baswedan to become a presidential candidate, or a presidential candidate who is also believed to be able to bring about or represent a movement for change," explained AHY.
"What is clear is that we want this coalition ship to be able to sail, and hopefully not only sailing but being able to win. Winning the voices, hearts, and minds of our people for change towards a better Indonesia going forward," concluded AHY.
AHY also conveyed the longstanding closeness between the Democratic Party and Surya Paloh. To be precise, when Surya Paloh fought with SBY in the 2004 presidential election.
"As friends and also as statesmen, the two of them (SBY and Surya Paloh) want to continue to ensure that regeneration is going well. Of course, everyone is responsible for preparing a better future for Indonesia," said AHY. ***
