With PAN`s participation in the KIH coalition, the coalition will hold a majority in the parliament and lend political stability to the government and help it produce better and stronger policies.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP) has expressed happiness following the National Mandate Partys (PANs) decision to join its Great Indonesia Coalition (KIH).

"If that is true, it will be very good and our political situation will become comfortable, strong and the government will remain stable," the Secretary of the partys faction in the House of Representatives, Bambang Wuryanto, said on Wednesday when asked about the news.

He added that with PANs participation in the KIH coalition, the coalition will hold a majority in the parliament and lend political stability to the government and help it produce better and stronger policies.

Wuryanto denied having any knowledge of a proposed possible second cabinet reshuffle, but added that it was not impossible for the MD3 law (on Peoples Consultative Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Regional Representatives Council and the Regional Legislative Assemblies) to be revised.

"Let us talk about it later. What is important is that we are grateful for PANs decision. The opportunity to revise the MD3 law is open but it must be done according to the right process. PDIP is ready to do it," he said.

PDIP faction member, Masinton Pasaribu, also welcomed PANs decision to join KIH.

He said the country cannot be built by KIH alone, and cooperation from all parties was needed for it.

The General Chairman of PAN, Zulkifli Hasan, confirmed that the party had decided to join KIH to support the governments programs.

"PAN had joined KIH. If we support it (the coalition) now, we are helping the government make its programs successful," he said at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday.

He said PAN wanted to not only support, but also wished to contribute in overcoming the current economic slowdown.

Hasan noted that it was time for all stakeholders in the country to unite and jointly prioritize the interests of the nation, the Indonesian people, the Unitary State of Indonesia above those of groups or political parties.

He said he had not communicated with the Red-White coalition (KMP) with regards to this decision yet.

The countrys political parties were grouped under the KMP and KIH coalitions following the election of Joko Widodo as President. The KIH is led by PDIP, which is where the President comes from.

Golkar party figure, Agun Gunandjar, said the decision of PAN to join the governments KIH coalition was a reflection of its political maturity.

"This shows political maturity. That is how politics must be practiced," he stated.

He said there was no need for a divide between the KMP and KIH, because in politics there are no permanent coalitions.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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