Jakarta. Pramono Anung caused a stir on Tuesday after visiting President-elect Prabowo Subianto amid his ongoing interviews with candidates for cabinet positions.

On Monday, Prabowo's private residence in Jakarta was abuzz with activity as at least 49 prominent figures, including political party leaders and sitting ministers, arrived for one-on-one meetings with the president-elect. As Prabowo was expecting to receive more candidates, Pramono's unexpected arrival sparked speculation that he, too, might be a pick for a ministerial position.

However, such rumors were quickly dismissed, given that Pramono is currently a candidate in the Jakarta gubernatorial race, having resigned as cabinet secretary just last month to focus on his campaign.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) later clarified the purpose of Pramono’s visit, explaining that he was there as an envoy for PDI-P Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

PDI-P spokesperson Chico Hakim said Pramono was tasked by Megawati to meet with Prabowo because “he is a trusted messenger and a unifying figure across political parties."

Chico did not disclose the contents of Megawati’s message, but the meeting took place amid lingering uncertainty over Prabowo’s efforts to meet with the PDI-P leader in person. These attempts have yet to materialize, even as Prabowo begins finalizing his cabinet.

Prabowo has expressed a desire to form a strong government backed by all major political parties in parliament. PDI-P remains the only major party that has not joined the pro-government coalition.

Notably, none of the candidates interviewed for ministerial and vice ministerial roles in Prabowo’s cabinet so far have been from PDI-P.

Chico confirmed that Pramono remains firmly in the fight “as a gubernatorial candidate, not a ministerial candidate.”

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