TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Media mogul who also assumes the chairperson of the political party Perindo, Hary Tanoesoedibjo (or Hary Tanoe), on Wednesday morning, met with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The founder of MNC Group claims his arrival there is unrelated to politics. 

He further explains that his presence at the Palace was under the pretense of a casual meeting prior to the Eid al-Fitr national holiday. Hary also claims their meeting did not discuss anything related to business, not politics. 

“There were no politics not business [talks],” said Hary Tanoe. “It’s a typical activity to do post Eid [lebaran].”

Another notable figure in politics who had met with Jokowi prior to Hary was Gerindra Party chairperson and current Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto. Despite openly announcing that the President will not officially conduct an ‘open house’ event, Prabowo did eventually visit the President’s hometown of Solo, where Jokowi spent his Eid holidays. 

These meetings happened subsequently after PDIP Party announced the candidacy of Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo in the 2024 Presidential Election. 

However, Perindo so far has not announced its position following Ganjar’s announcement. 

The issue surrounding the presidential candidacy was mentioned by Hary Tanoe in the presence of President Jokowi during the 8th anniversary of the Perindo Party event back in November last year. Hary at the time claims his Party will join Jokowi’s coalition in 2023. 

FAJAR PEBRIANTO

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