Anies at SBY’s Open House: Democrats React

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Democratic Party Spokesperson Herzaky Mahendra gave an explanation regarding the presence of former 2024 Presidential Candidate Anies Baswedan at the residence of the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) in Cikeas, West Java, last Saturday (21/3/2026).

Herzaky said, in essence, SBY was holding the event at that time open house in the context of halalbihalal Eid al-Fitr 2026.

“Mr SBY open house. Anyone who comes to stay in touch with him and his extended family is certainly welcomed. “It’s called the Eid moment,” said Herzaky, to Kompas.com, Thursday (26/3/2026).

Herzaky admitted that among the guests present, there was Anies Baswedan.

Also read: Democrats consider the Anies-SBY meeting during Eid to be an example of mutual forgiveness

Anies himself was not actually invited to attend open house SBY.

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

“Yes (Anies was actually not invited),” said Herzaky.

Even so, Herzaky emphasized that the General Chair of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), still accompanied SBY to welcome all the guests who attended.

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

“It doesn’t need to be interpreted or taken anywhere. Especially if it is directed at future coalition plans or election matters. It’s far-fetched,” said Herzaky.

Also read: There is an effort to reconcile behind Anies’ presence at Halalbihalal Cikeas

Herzaky emphasized that Democrats are currently focused on making President Prabowo Subianto’s government programs a success.

He said that the Democrats were committed to carrying out the mandate entrusted to them by Prabowo.

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

Previously it was reported that Anies Baswedan was said to still be on good terms with SBY and AHY.

In fact, Anies’ relationship with the Democratic Party was fractured because of his decision in the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres) to run with the General Chair of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar.

Also read: Meaning of Halalbihalal Anies in Cikeas, Observer: Reconciliation with SBY-AHY

Because, at that time, AHY was widely reported to be Anies’ running mate.

“Yes, maybe there was a misunderstanding, but the relationship continues to be good,” said Usamah Abdul Aziz, when contacted by Kompas.com, Tuesday (24/6/2026) evening.

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