Reconciliation Efforts Behind Anies' Attendance at Cikeas Halalbihalal

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan took the opportunity to exchange greetings with Indonesia’s sixth President and Chairman of the Democratic Party’s Supreme Council, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), as well as Democratic Party General Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), during the halalbihalal event on Saturday (21/3/2026). On Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, Anies visited SBY’s residence at Puri Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, on Saturday evening. During the event, Anies did not engage in a specific meeting with SBY or AHY. Political communication observer from Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, assessed that the halalbihalal moment was used by Anies as an opportunity to restore his relations with the blue triangle party, particularly with SBY. “It appears Anies wants to use the halalbihalal moment to thaw the frozen relationship. Anies seems to want the conflict that occurred to be resolved following the halalbihalal visit,” said Jamiluddin to Kompas.com on Wednesday (25/3/2026). History records that in 2024, Anies and AHY were once paired as presidential and vice-presidential candidates. However, the political stage became turbulent when NasDem chose to unite Anies with PKB General Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, alias Cak Imin. AHY then shifted support to the Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair, which ultimately won the five-yearly democratic festivities. “Anies wants his relationship with SBY to return to being as white as morning dew. That hope could be welcomed by SBY, who is known as a wise figure far from vengeful attitudes,” Jamiluddin continued. According to Jamiluddin, the restoration of relations has the potential to have a broader impact on the national political map. SBY, he said, has closeness with Prabowo and can act as a bridge for communication. “That possibility is very open, considering SBY’s closeness with Prabowo. SBY could convince Prabowo to embrace Anies for national political stability amid global uncertainties,” Jamiluddin added.