WAY TO CONSOLIDATE POWER?
If it materialises, the team would support Mr Prabowo consolidate his administration, particularly in the first and second decades which are usually the most difficult, analysts say.
The PDIP, which received the most votes in February’s congressional elections, has never joined Mr. Prabowo’s alliance despite the apparent gathering of enough parties to form a quasi-supermajority in congress.
” As we know, PDIP is likely to be in the criticism and may undermine Prabowo’s national plan, creating a probable gridlock”, said Dr Ambang.
Additionally, their respective party leaders continue to have control and political authority over them.
If Mr Prabowo can play the role of “peacemaker”, this will help him consolidate power, said Dr Adhi Priamarizki, a research fellow at the Indonesia programme at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies ( RSIS), Nanyang Technological University.
He suggested that first, Mr Prabowo was read one- on- one with his predecessors, who would give counsel.
However, some people worry that a political club might eventually lead to a social cartel that might impede Indonesia’s democratic process.
According to Mr. Yoes, Mr. Prabowo may be willing to make some social concessions that might be necessary in order to bring together all the living ex-presidents in one room.
The team will act as both a consultative body and a forum to ensure that Prabowo-Gibran’s policies are carried out without significant political opposition, according to Mr. Yoes.
Because, in reality, the membership members were and are currently Indonesia’s most powerful politicians, their support from this political club will help Prabowo-Gibran stable symbolic and political legitimacy. They are all kingmakers”.
Although the agreement is likely to be casual, Dr. Adhi agrees that a political club could be very important for the new government.
They can control decision-making within their own camp, he noted because of their rank and centrality.
On whether the website may help Mr Widodo, also known as Jokowi, retain control after he steps down as president, Dr Adhi said it is doubtful.
Jokowi needs a more conventional commitment to keep his hold on power in the future administration. He may depend on his brother Gibran to keep his agenda in mind for the time being. Additionally, Dr. Adhi asserted that he is not the only social plane there because of the presence of other political figures in the political club.
Not all experts agree that Indonesia is available for a political club.
With the exception of Mr. Donald Trump, former US presidents who constituted both Democrats and Republicans have a chance to join in a non-partisan way, according to Mr. Yoes.
” In Indonesia, elections is often personal”, he said.