Penajam Paser Utara. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and National Democratic Party (Nasdem) Chairman Surya Paloh showcased their growing closeness as Nasdem aligns itself with the pro-government Advanced Indonesia Coalition (KIM). Following the inaugural 79th Independence Day ceremony held in the new capital city of Nusantara, East Kalimantan, Jokowi invited Paloh to tour the area.

At around 2:10 p.m. local time, the presidential car, RI-1, was seen leaving the Garuda-shaped palace gates and stopping in front of the newly constructed Ministry of Economy I building. The appearance of the presidential vehicle quickly attracted a crowd of guests who were resting nearby, eager to catch a glimpse of the nation’s leader.

Jokowi and Paloh exited the car together, briefly greeting the public. Despite the light rain, the two made their way under umbrellas toward a golf cart provided by the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres). From Plaza Seremoni, Jokowi guided Paloh to Taman Kusuma Bangsa, pointing out various developments at the ceremonial plaza along the way. The media were not allowed to follow the pair as they continued their tour, leaving the content of their conversation undisclosed.

On Thursday, Surya Paloh officially announced Nasdem’s decision to join the coalition backing former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil for the upcoming Jakarta election on November 27. Nasdem has decided not to endorse Anies Baswedan for the Jakarta election, despite previously nominating him for the Jakarta office and Indonesia's presidency.

In the 2024 Presidential Election, Nasdem led a coalition supporting Anies, who ultimately lost to President-elect Prabowo Subianto with approximately 25 percent of the vote. Prabowo has expressed a warm welcome to Nasdem’s inclusion in the Advanced Indonesia Coalition (KIM).

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