Thekabarnews.com—Anies Baswedan’s visit to the residence of Indonesia’s sixth president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), during an Eid al-Fitr gathering (halal bi halal) has drawn public attention. Officials confirmed that he was not formally invited to the event.

The Democratic Party said that the organizing committee did not invite Anies to come to the halal bihalal event at SBY’s house in Puri Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, March 21. Yan Harahap, who is Sec. II of the party’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agency (BRAINS), made the statement.

“Indeed, the open house committee did not formally invite him. However, he emphasized that the event followed an open-house format, meaning all guests were welcome. In an open house setting, we would not turn away anyone who comes. During Eid, the house is open for gathering and strengthening ties,” Yan said, Wednesday, March 25.

Anies attended the event as part of the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri celebrations. There, he also met several leaders, including Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and Yenny Wahid. AHY’s associate later shared the moment on social media.

Responding to speculation about possible political discussions, Anies’ spokesperson, Usamah Abdul Aziz, said he was unaware of the details of the conversation. He stressed that the meeting was part of a normal Eid gathering.

“The agenda was just halal bihalal. We do not know the details of the talks,” Usamah said.

Experts in politics say that the visit could be important, even though it was just a visit. The Executive Director of Aljabar Strategic Indonesia, Arifki Chaniago, said that the meeting could mean that Anies and the Democratic Party will start talking to each other again. This could happen before the presidential election in 2029.

“This meeting can’t just be thought of as a social event. It could signify an attempt to rekindle a political partnership, similar to the Anies-AHY pairing,” Arifki stated.

He said that halal bihalal events are usually informal get-togethers. At these events, powerful people can talk and stay in touch about possible future partnerships.

He claims that Anies has had ties to the Democratic Party since 2014. At that time, she participated in the party’s presidential convention.

The potential for collaboration between Anies and AHY had previously emerged during the 2024 presidential election cycle. However, it did not materialize.

Observers believe that future political dynamics—including AHY’s position in the government of Prabowo Subianto—will influence whether such an alliance could reemerge.

The Cikeas meeting shows that informal meetings can have a bigger effect on how Indonesia’s politics change. It also affects how they plan for future elections, particularly by fostering alliances and shaping strategies among key political figures like Anies and AHY.

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