Anies Baswedan Visits SBY: Democrats Say No Political Agenda

Anies Baswedan Meets with SBY and AHY: A Post-Election Reconciliation

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan met with former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) at SBY’s residence in Cikeas, West Java, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, during an Eid al-Fitr open house. The meeting has sparked discussion regarding potential reconciliation following the 2024 Presidential Election.

SBY’s Open House and Anies’ Visit

According to Democratic Party Spokesperson Herzaky Mahendra, SBY was hosting an open house during the Eid al-Fitr celebration, welcoming guests to maintain ties with family and friends. Anies Baswedan was among those who attended, though he was not specifically invited.

“Mr. SBY’s open house welcomes anyone who wishes to stay in touch with him and his extended family. It’s a tradition during Eid,” Herzaky stated on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

AHY accompanied SBY in receiving all guests, and no specific discussions regarding future coalitions or election matters took place during the gathering.

Efforts to Mend Fences

The meeting is seen as a potential effort to mend relationships strained during the 2024 Presidential Election. Anies Baswedan’s decision to partner with Muhaimin Iskandar of the National Awakening Party (PKB) instead of AHY had reportedly caused a rift between Anies and the Democratic Party.

Political analyst M. Jamiluddin Ritonga from Esa Unggul University believes the meeting was a deliberate attempt by Anies to reconcile with SBY and AHY. “This is not just a typical Eid greeting. It appears Anies wants to use this moment to ease tensions resulting from past political dynamics,” Ritonga said on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Usamah Abdul Aziz, a spokesperson for Anies Baswedan, confirmed that the relationship between Anies, SBY, and AHY remains positive. “Communication has been good, and exchanging greetings during Eid is customary,” he stated.

Focus on Prabowo’s Government

Despite speculation about potential future coalitions, the Democratic Party maintains its current focus is on supporting the government of President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Herzaky Mahendra emphasized the party’s commitment to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to them by Prabowo.

“Today’s coalition with Mr. Prabowo, as well as future coalition plans… so, don’t speculate about it anywhere,” Herzaky added.