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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Dasco Claims No Merger Talks Between Gerindra and NasDem

From Tempo · (2d ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Gerindra Party's daily chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad denied talks of a merger between Gerindra and the NasDem Party.
  • The denial follows a report by Tempo magazine alleging Prabowo Subianto proposed the merger to Surya Paloh.
  • NasDem officials also expressed surprise, with one suggesting 'fusion' as a more appropriate term, while noting ideological differences make a merger difficult.

The Indonesian political landscape is abuzz with speculation following a report by Tempo magazine suggesting a potential merger between the Gerindra Party and the NasDem Party. However, key figures from both parties have vehemently denied any such discussions have taken place.

As conveyed by NasDem, we have never had such discussions.

— Sufmi Dasco AhmadDenying reports of a merger between Gerindra and NasDem parties.

Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, the daily chairman of the Gerindra Party, stated unequivocally that there have been no merger talks. He expressed surprise at the report, questioning its source and basis. This stance is echoed by NasDem Party officials, who also appeared taken aback by the news. Wakil Ketua Partai NasDem Saan Mustopa, while denying the merger, suggested that 'fusion' might be a more fitting term for such a political consolidation, though he acknowledged the significant ideological differences that could hinder such a move.

The Tempo report claimed that Gerindra's chairman, Prabowo Subianto, proposed the merger to NasDem's leader, Surya Paloh, during a meeting in mid-February 2026. The article suggested that a combined party could command a significant portion of the national vote, based on the 2024 election results. However, Surya Paloh reportedly did not welcome the proposal, possibly to maintain his party's independent position and to assess the benefits for NasDem.

We were also, uh, what do you call it? Confused when we first heard it, wondering where the source came from. But since NasDem already explained first, as they are the subject, we think it's enough.

— Sufmi Dasco AhmadExpressing surprise and questioning the source of the merger rumors.

This denial from both parties underscores the complex dynamics of Indonesian coalition politics. While mergers or fusions are not unprecedented, as seen in 1973, the current political climate and the distinct ideologies of Gerindra and NasDem present substantial challenges. The swift refutation of the Tempo report indicates a desire to manage public perception and maintain party autonomy amidst ongoing political maneuvering.

It is natural for the merging of two parties, especially since it happened in 1973. However, compared to that time, the idea of merging these two parties is more difficult to realize today because of the differences in philosophy between the parties.

— Saan MustopaCommenting on the possibility and challenges of a party merger.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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