Significance of Anies' Halal Bihalal in Cikeas: Analyst Sees Reconciliation with SBY-AHY

Jakarta - A political communication expert from Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, assesses that Anies Baswedan is seeking to restore his relations with Indonesia’s sixth president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY). According to him, this effort is evident from Anies’ presence at the halal bihalal occasion at SBY’s residence in Puri Cikeas, Bogor, on Saturday (21/3/2026). It is known that Anies’ relationship with SBY had become strained following the dynamics of the 2024 presidential election. At that time, NasDem decided to pair Anies with Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin), despite strong rumours beforehand that Anies would pair with AHY. He views this step as an attempt to rebuild political communication that had been interrupted. In fact, he states that relations between the two parties are hoped to become warm again. “Anies wants his relationship with SBY to be as white as morning dew again. That hope could be welcomed by SBY, who is known as a wise figure far from vengeful attitudes,” he added. According to Jamiluddin, the restoration of this relationship has the potential to have broader impacts on the national political map. SBY, he says, 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 persuade Prabowo to embrace Anies for the sake of national political stability amid global uncertainties,” Jamiluddin further stated. Previously, Anies’ relationship with SBY and AHY was said to still be on good terms. Even though there had been tensions after the 2024 presidential election, communications between them were claimed to remain maintained. “Yes, there might have been some misunderstandings, but the good relations continue,” said Usamah Abdul Aziz when contacted by Kompas.com on Tuesday night (24/6/2026).