Democrat Party Addresses Anies' Uninvited Attendance at SBY's "Open House"
Jakarta - The spokesperson for the Democrat Party, Herzaky Mahendra, has provided clarification regarding the presence of former 2024 presidential candidate Anies Baswedan at the residence of Indonesia’s sixth president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), in Cikeas, West Java, last Saturday (21/3/2026).
Herzaky stated that essentially, SBY was holding an open house in connection with the Eid al-Fitr halal bihalal celebrations in 2026.
“Mr SBY is holding an open house. Anyone who comes to pay respects to him and his extended family is of course welcomed warmly. It’s the Eid moment,” said Herzaky to Kompas.com on Thursday (26/3/2026).
Herzaky acknowledged that among the guests present was Anies Baswedan.
“One of those present was indeed Mas Anies. Like the other guests, he was of course received well by Mr SBY as the host,” he explained.
“Yes (Anies was actually not invited),” Herzaky revealed.
Nevertheless, Herzaky stressed that the General Chairman of the Democrat Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), still accompanied SBY in welcoming all the guests who attended.
He also emphasised that there were no special discussions with anyone during the Eid event in Cikeas, including with Anies.
“No need to interpret it or take it anywhere. Especially directing it towards future coalition plans or election matters. That’s thinking too far ahead,” said Herzaky.
He noted that the Democrat Party is committed to carrying out the mandate entrusted by Prabowo.
“The current coalition with Mr Prabowo, as well as future coalition plans. So, don’t speculate anywhere,” Herzaky added.
Previously reported, Anies Baswedan is said to still maintain good relations with SBY and AHY.
In fact, Anies’ relationship with the Democrat Party had once been strained due to his decision in the 2024 Presidential Election to run alongside the General Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Muhaimin Iskandar.
“Well, there might have been some misunderstanding at one point, but the good relations continue,” said Usamah Abdul Aziz, when contacted by Kompas.com on Tuesday night (24/6/2026).