Three Parties May Approach PDIP to Form Coalition

Jakarta (Antara) -- A member of the Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP) has said that the party may be approached by three others to form a coalition. "I am convinced that two to three political parties will approach us," PDIP member Aria Bima said here on Wednesday after attending the inauguration of new members of the House of Representatives (DPR), the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD). Bima stated that the United Development Party (PPP)---currently a part of the Red-White coalition---would join them to support the incoming Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla government. They had already been lobbying for it. "With God's will, I am convinced (that PPP will join us). But it will be wiser to not hasten the process. For the sake of the future of Indonesia, I hope the process is smooth," he stated. Bima hinted that the two other political parties that will approach them are the National Mandate Party (PAN) and the Democratic Party. "I know exactly what party leaders, including Jokowi (Joko Widodo), have done, but it would not be right to comment now," he remarked. (*) Reporting by Juwita Trisna Rahayu