A "Permanent Coalition" Declared to Back Prabowo-Hatta

Jakarta (Antara) - A number of political parties supporting the Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa pair in the July 9 presidential election have declared a permanent coalition here on Monday to show their commitment to building a solid unity in parliament. The Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party Chairman Suhardi said the declaration was aimed at sealing the parties' commitment to maintaining their five-year permanent coalition in the House of Representatives (DPR). "We have experience. If the parliament is not strong, the achievement will not be optimal," he said. According to Suhardi, the declaration was not a step taken by the Red and White Coalition camp to maintain the Golkar Party to remain committed to the coalition amid rumor that the party will shift its support to the Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla duo. The declaration, taking place at the Proclamation Monument in Central Jakarta, was attended by representatives of the parties supporting the permanent coalition. Among the parties were Gerindra, the Golkar Party, the National Mandate Party (PAN), the United Development Party (PPP), and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). (*) Reported by Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga