Guessing the Meaning of Sandiaga Uno's Political Guerrilla Approach to Prabowo

After 30 minutes, Sandiaga came out of Kertanegara. However, he did not answer the barrage of questions from journalists, such as the purpose of his visit and the rumors about PPP joining Prabowo's camp.

He only answered that his presence was just a friendship. "Just visiting for Eid, thank you friends," said Sandiaga.

The big question, is there a political message? The answer, apart from the party concerned, no one knows.

What is certain is that Sandiaga and Prabowo are political rivals in the 2024 Election. PPP together with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Hanura Party and Perindo Party are running the pair Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD. The three parties are not supporters of the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair.

However, it was the Prabowo-Gibran pair who later emerged as those who won the most votes in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Just Eid gathering, thank you friends.

The PPP which oversees Sandiaga is also on the brink after failing to meet the minimum parliamentary threshold of 4 percent. The fate of the party with the Kaaba logo now rests on the election results dispute which will be decided by the Constitutional Court (MK).

Also read: Pursuing Dispute Decision on Presidential Election Results, MK Only Takes Two Days Off for Eid

The political relationship between Sandiaga and Prabowo as party cadres has ended in April 2023, when Sandiaga decided to leave the Gerindra Party. However, Sandiaga had served as the Vice Chairman of the Gerindra Party's Council of Advisers. Two months later, Sandiaga officially joined the PPP.

After the 2024 election, Sandiaga appeared to send signals of an effort to approach Prabowo. This can be seen from his congratulations on winning and his evening run before breaking the fast while passing by and calling Prabowo the elected president. Finally, he came at night for a gathering before Prabowo ended the agenda for the first day of Eid.

Also read: Sowan Sandiaga Could Be PPP's Entrance to Prabowo's Camp

Although claimed to be just for socializing, Sandiaga's visit to Kertanegara cannot avoid political gestures. This was revealed by Vice Chairman of the Gerindra Party Habiburokhman during a gathering at the residence of Gerindra's Daily Chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad on Thursday (11/4/2024).

"There are definitely common things. Of course, there are also political gestures. It is impossible for someone to come without us being able to stop (catch) the meaning of the emerging political gestures," said Habiburokhman.

Even though he came without a letter of assignment from PPP, Habiburokhman considered Sandiaga still an important figure in the Ganjar-Mahfud win. His arrival at Prabowo's house certainly cannot be separated from political significance, namely the acceleration of reconciliation.

Sandiaga's presence in Kertanegara was not by invitation, either from Prabowo or Gerindra Party cadres. This means that Sandiaga came on his own volition. "No (he wasn't invited), since Mr. Sandi is not a Gerindra cadre. However, he was previously in Gerindra. Of course, his arrival as an important figure in the coalition of the number three pairs," said Habiburokhman.

Also read: Gerindra Values ​​Sandiaga's Political Gestures When Meeting Prabowo Shows Spirit of Reconciliation

When asked about Sandiaga's visit to Prabowo, the Chairman of the Central Executive Board (DPP) of PPP, Usman M Tokan, said that everyone can visit anywhere during the Lebaran moment. "During the Lebaran moment, everyone can visit anywhere, even encouraged to forgive each other," said Usman.

When asked whether Sandiaga's presence was known or allowed by the party, Usman mentioned that politicians should be able to understand the situation. Although not explicitly stated, the situation refers to PPP, which is currently undergoing a process in the Constitutional Court and is a political opponent of Prabowo-Gibran in the 2024 elections. "As a politician, they should understand the situation," he said.

Political negotiations

According to political communication expert from Airlangga University, Suko Widodo, it is quite reasonable for Sandiaga to visit Prabowo as a long-time friend. Moreover, Sandiaga had previously been a vice presidential candidate alongside Prabowo during the 2019 elections.

However, Sandiaga is also a politician. Suko sees the possibility of sowan being part of future political negotiations given that Prabowo emerged as the presidential candidate with the most votes.

"It must be acknowledged that, however, Sandiaga Uno is a figure who interacts in the political world. So, it can be read that there is a possibility (of the meeting) being part of political negotiations for the future," said Suko.

Also read: Political Opponents Respond to Prabowo's Various Intentions to Embrace All Elements

The arrival of Sandiaga may serve as a gateway as well as a political communication practice in delivering messages from his colleagues in PPP to participate in the upcoming Prabowo-Gibran government. Another possibility is that Sandiaga comes to represent himself to join personally.

Also read: Sandiaga's maneuvers do not affect Gerindra's attitude

According to Suko, the suspicion of Sandiaga's personal interests is evident from the response of his party colleague, Usman M Tokan, who stated that politicians should understand the situation.

Nevertheless, no one knows for sure the political message that Sandiaga carries. Whether it is to save PPP from failure to enter parliament, an indication of PPP joining Prabowo-Gibran, or a desire to seek asylum on his own.