Indonesia's ruling party invites opposition Gerindra to join government coalition

Indonesia's ruling party invites opposition Gerindra to join government coalition

2011-03-04 03:38:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Indonesia's ruling Democrat Party on Thursday invited the opposition Gerindra party to join the government coalition, the Antara news agency reported.

Democrat Party deputy Secretary General Saan Mustopa said that an opportunity was given to the Greater Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) party for joining the ruling coalition as their views are similar.

"The opportunity is now open for Gerindra to join the coalition as so far the Democrat Party and Gerindra Party have already conducted good political communication," Saan said.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also leader of the ruling party, previously warned of sanctions to members of the coalition that did not uphold the coalition agreement.

The decision was made following the Gerindra support towards the Democrat's proposal to the House of Representatives (DPR) for using its right to inquiry for the investigation of a tax mafia issue on February 22.

However, Gerindra secretary-general Ahmad Muzani announced five conditions to be met before joining the government coalition. The main of these conditions is the allocation of a relevant position within the coalition instead of being only a complementing element.

The government coalition is currently comprised by the Democratic Party, the Golkar Party, the National Mandate Party (PAN), the United Development Party (PPP), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

The other conditions set by Gerindra include the development a pro-people process, restoring state-owned enterprises for being the motor of the national economy, stopping the export of gas products, and focusing more on national needs.

Saan added that the other members of the coalition did not object the offer presented to Gerindra. However, he declined telling what compensation would be given to the opposition party upon joining the coalition.

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