NasDem Responds to Rumours of Merger Talks with Gerindra
NasDem deputy general chairman Saan Mustopa has spoken out on the issue of a potential merger between NasDem and Gerindra. He described the rumour as something ordinary.
“Yes, I was also surprised by this; it has only recently emerged regarding the merger issue. In political terms, it’s called a fusion, not a merger or acquisition. A fusion between Gerindra and NasDem,” said Saan during a press conference with journalists at Nusantara I, DPR RI, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (13/4/2026). Saan was responding to reports mentioning discussions of a NasDem-Gerindra fusion.
Saan then referenced a past party fusion that occurred in 1973. He noted that at that time, only three parties remained after the fusions.
“As an idea or concept, it is certainly something to be considered or thought about, which is ordinary,” he stated.
Furthermore, he explained that a NasDem-Gerindra fusion would need to take into account each party’s idealism. He discussed the context of ideology to the existence of both parties.
“For example, if there is an idea or concept related to fusion, although it needs to be considered and thought about, there are also other matters that must be jointly considered, such as the context of ideology, identity, and party existence,” he said.
“Because building or establishing each party, the founders certainly have their own idealism, ideas, and ideology in different contexts. So, if there is a plan or rumour related to fusion, those factors must also be considered: ideology, identity, and the existence of each party,” he continued.
Saan emphasised that many aspects need to be considered regarding the idea of a NasDem-Gerindra fusion. “So, once again, as an idea, rumour, or concept, it is just ordinary. But if we want to realise it, many things must be thought about, discussed, and planned,” he stated.
News of the Paloh-Prabowo Meeting
Saan then addressed reports of a meeting between his general chairman, Surya Paloh, and President Prabowo Subianto some time ago. He claimed not to know exactly what was discussed, but it could have included merger matters.
“I don’t know precisely regarding the meeting, especially the substance of what was discussed. As for the meeting between general chairman Mr Surya and President Mr Prabowo, it is possible because NasDem is part of the coalition party. This party is part of the government coalition,” he explained.
While emphasising that NasDem will always support Prabowo’s agenda, he said the meeting also covered that position.
“In every political step, NasDem strives as much as possible to ensure that the agenda, especially the priority programmes and strategic programmes of the government under the leadership of President Mr Prabowo, runs well and successfully,” he stated.