KOMPAS.com - After threatening to leave its coalition with the Democratic Party, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has finally decided to stay in the coalition and support the presidential candidacy of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his running mate central bank governor Boediono. PKS chairman Tifatul Sembiring said after a more than one hour closed-door meeting with Yudhoyono in Bandung on Friday evening that the PKS would maintain its coalition with the Democratic Party.
"Yes, Insya Allah (God willing) the coalition continues," Tifatul said in response to reporters' questions, denying that the meeting was centered on power sharing talks. He said Yudhoyono had explained to the PKS that he had picked Boediono as his running mate because he needed the economist to help Indonesia survive the global economic crisis.
Yudhoyono also cleared off accusation that Boediono is a neoliberalist, saying that the latter was the person behind the enactment of sharia finance and Islamic bond laws, Tifatul added. The meeting was held shortly before Yudhoyono's presidential nomination declaration. PKS secretary general Anis Matta and consultative council head Hilmi Aminuddin also attended the meeting.
The PKS also made apparent its latest stance by Tifatul and Anis' appearance in Yudhoyono-Boediono's nomination declaration. Along with heads or representatives of other parties joining the Democratic Party's coalition, Tifatul joined a photo session with Yudhoyono and Boediono in the closing of the event.
Among those joining the photo session were United Development Party (PPP) chairman Suryadharma Ali, National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, National Mandate Party (PAN)'s Patrialis Akbar, and Indonesian Unity and Justice Party (PKPI) chairman Meutia Hatta. (Erwida Maulia)
