Surya Paloh Claims 2029 Presidential Election Not Discussed During Iftar with Anies

NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has revealed the substance of conversations during an iftar gathering with Anies Baswedan, stating that there was no discussion about joining forces for the 2029 presidential election.

“There was nothing of the sort,” Paloh said at NasDem Tower in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (21/2/2026).

Paloh described the iftar as merely a routine social call. NasDem was one of the parties that backed the Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) ticket in the 2024 presidential election.

“It was just a friendly visit from Anies. That’s all,” he said.

Previously, NasDem held an iftar event with orphans on Thursday (19/2). The gathering was attended by a number of prominent figures, including 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla, House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, and Deputy House Speaker Sari Yuliati.

At NasDem Tower on Thursday evening, Surya Paloh was seen seated alongside Jusuf Kalla, Puan, Zulkifli Hasan, PKS president Almuzzammil Yusuf, and NasDem deputy chairman Saan Mustopa.

PKB deputy chairman Jazilul Fawaid, Deputy House Speaker Sari Yuliati, and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were also present. Anies was spotted sitting beside Prananda Paloh.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) also attended the event. The iftar commenced with a prayer led by House Commission II chairman Rifqinizamy Karsayuda.

“We deeply appreciate the time that you have all set aside to join the entire NasDem family for this iftar gathering,” Surya Paloh said during the event.

He said the iftar was held to strengthen bonds of friendship, expressing his hope that good relations would continue to be maintained.

“Breaking the fast together today, we collectively agree that it carries a special meaning, so that the bonds of friendship that have existed thus far continue to be preserved,” he said.