By Ananda Teresia and Kate Lamb
JAKARTA (Multibagger) - In a significant development, Indonesia's president-elect Prabowo Subianto has secured a parliamentary majority after the NasDem party, which previously backed his rival, announced its decision to join his big-tent coalition. This move will boost the Prabowo government's stake in parliament from 43% to 52%, providing greater control over legislative processes.
The parliamentary majority is expected to streamline the approval of crucial measures, including the upcoming 2025 budget announcement by outgoing President Joko Widodo, scheduled for Friday. Prabowo and vice-president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka are set to be sworn into office on October 20.
With NasDem's support, Prabowo's coalition, comprising five political parties, is also engaging in discussions with the country's largest Islamic party, further solidifying its position in parliament. The decision by NasDem to align with Prabowo has not only created a more optimistic atmosphere but also impacted local politics, leading to the withdrawal of support for Anies Baswedan's gubernatorial bid.
The recent political developments, including the resignation of Airlangga Hartarto as head of Golkar, indicate a shifting landscape in Indonesian politics as key players realign their positions. Jokowi, after a decade in office, is maneuvering to retain influence post his tenure, highlighting the dynamic nature of the country's political scene.
Overall, these developments underscore the importance of coalition-building and strategic alliances in Indonesian politics. The coming together of various parties under Prabowo's leadership signifies a new chapter in the country's governance and sets the stage for future policy decisions and reforms.