Spokesperson's Remarks on Anies Not Invited to SBY's Halalbihalal in Cikeas

Deputy Secretary-General of the Democratic Party, Renanda Bachtar, revealed that former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan was not invited to the halalbihalal event of Indonesia’s 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java. Anies Baswedan’s spokesperson, Sahrin Hamid, stated that Islam encourages silaturahmi. “As is known, in Islam, silaturahmi is a highly recommended practice,” Sahrin told reporters on Thursday (26/3/2026). Sahrin then referenced the statement by Democratic Party Secretary-General Herman Khaeron, who described Eid al-Fitr as a good moment for silaturahmi. Sahrin agreed with that statement. “I think Kang Hero, the PD Secretary-General, has given a good response. The context here is silaturahmi during the Eid al-Fitr moment,” he said. In a separate opportunity, Democratic Party Secretary-General Herman Khaeron said that Eid al-Fitr is a good moment for mutual forgiveness. Herman Khaeron assessed Anies’s presence in Cikeas as part of that purpose. “In the momentum of Eid al-Fitr, it is certainly the right time for Muslims to forgive each other and pray for goodness. Likewise, of course, with Mas Anies’s presence in Cikeas,” he stated. Previously, although revealing that the halalbihalal event committee did not invite Anies, Renanda said that they treat every guest well. “The committee did not invite him. However, like a good host, whoever comes, we treat well,” Renanda told reporters on Wednesday (25/3). Renanda mentioned that there was no conversation between Anies, SBY, and AHY in that meeting. He said that the three only shook hands. “There was no conversation. Only, when Anies came and approached Mas AHY and Pak SBY, they shook hands. That’s it,” he said.