HORSE-TRADING A FORM OF POLITICAL CURRENCY
Mr Nicky noted that the different scenarios depend on what Mr Prabowo – as the likely presidential winner – has to offer the other parties. These may include offering them a seat as a minister in his Cabinet, considered to be the norm in Indonesia.
In claiming victory on Wednesday night, Mr Prabowo told his supporters at the Istora Senayan stadium in Jakarta to wait for the official tally by the KPU.
Political lecturer from the University of Indonesia Aditya Perdana believes there is little value for political parties to be in the opposition.
Given that political parties in Indonesia tend not to work based on ideologies but rather on benefits, Mr Aditya said that he thinks some parties would rather join forces with Mr Prabowo and his coalition, even if they campaigned for different things and ideologies during the election.
“It will be more promising and beneficial for parties to join the government than to be an opposition.
“It will be easier for them to maintain their constituents and voters if they are in power. So it will be just pragmatic,” said Mr Aditya.
He also highlighted that Indonesia will hold local elections in November, where voters will choose governors and other local leaders.
Thus, political parties would consider this before making the next move.
Mr Aditya surmised that, ultimately Mr Prabowo is not in a rush to form a coalition in the parliament, and any party can join later on.
The newly elected members of parliaments will only be inaugurated on Oct 1, while the president and vice-president will be sworn in on Oct 24.
“In Indonesian politics, anything can happen. Because here, everyone tries to accommodate the needs of others.
“They are not very ideological,” said Mr Aditya.