Uninvited Arrival: Anies' Visit to Cikeas Becomes the Spotlight

The visit by former DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to the residence of Indonesia’s sixth President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), in Cikeas, West Java, has drawn public attention.

Anies’s arrival was for the halalbihalal event held by SBY at his home, Puri Cikeas, in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday night (21/3/2026).

The spotlight arose because Anies is said to have attended the gathering in Cikeas without a formal invitation, where he met SBY and his eldest son, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY).

He revealed that communications among the three figures have always run smoothly without any issues.

“Yes, indeed, communications have been running well as usual,” said Usamah.

Anies was not formally invited to attend the halalbihalal at SBY’s residence.

Spokesperson for the Democrat Party, Herzaky Mahendra, provided clarification that SBY was holding an open house for the Eid al-Fitr 2026 halalbihalal at the time.

“Mr SBY is holding an open house. Anyone who comes to exchange greetings with him and the extended family is certainly welcomed warmly. It’s the Eid moment,” said Herzaky to Kompas.com on Thursday (26/3/2026).

However, Herzaky emphasised that Anies’s arrival was still warmly welcomed.

“One of those present was indeed Mas Anies. Like the other guests, he was of course received well by Mr SBY as the host,” he said.

He also stressed that there were no special discussions with anyone during the Eid event in Cikeas, including with Anies.

“No need to interpret it or take it anywhere. Especially directing it towards future coalition plans or election matters. That’s thinking too far ahead,” said Herzaky.