Hatta, Chairul Tanjung Meet President Yudhoyono

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (middle) with Hatta Rajasa (left) and Chairul Tanjung (right). (ANTARA/Widodo S. Jusuf/wdy/14)

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Hatta Rajasa, who has tendered his resignation as chief economic minister, and National Economic Committee chief Chairul Tanjung met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday.

The two men arrived at the Presidential Palace, in almost the same time, at about 1.45 p. m. Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB).

Wearing a dark blue batik shirt, Hatta arrived first and was asked by reporters about who would succeed him as the coordinating minister for economic affairs.

"Please wait until you are informed. Just wait for the invitation," Hatta, who is a strong contender for the presidential election as Prabowo Subiantos running mate, said.

Hatta said that he had no specific message to his would-be successor, but explained his hope that the new chief economic minister would maintain the momentum of the countrys strong economic growth.

In addition, Hatta, who is also the general chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), expressed hope that the inflation rate and the continuation of the fiscal policies passed this year will be maintained.

Besides Hatta, the other leader invited to the state palace was Chairul Tanjung, the chairman of the National Economic Committee and founder of the CT Group.

Wearing a golden batik shirt, Chairul Tanjung did not explain whether he had been named as the new chief coordinator minister replacing Hatta Rajasa.

"Let me meet the president first. I will talk about the results of the meeting to reporters," he stressed.

On Tuesday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met the Great Indonesia Movement Partys (Gerindra) presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto and the National Mandate Party (PAN) Chairman Hatta Rajasa.

While waiting for their arrival, President Yudhoyono told newsmen that the Indonesian people have the power to elect the president and vice president.

"The people have the power to decide. The final decision is in their hands," he said.

The visit of Prabowo Subianto together with Hatta Rajasa has sparked a speculation that the duo may become a presidential and vice presidential pair, who will compete in the presidential election due to be held on July 9.

It was previously reported that Hatta Rajasa will tender his resignation to pursue a bid for the vice president in the July 9 election, party member Hakam Naja stated on Tuesday.

"PANs national meeting next Wednesday will announce our plan to form a coalition with the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) party. Hatta Rajasa will be the vice presidential candidate accompanying presidential candidate from the Gerindra Lieutenant General (retired) Prabowo Subianto," noted the Deputy Chief of Commission II in parliament.

According to Hakam, the Gerindra and the PAN had conducted intensive discussions during the past few days before deciding to form a coalition for the upcoming presidential election.

He also expressed hope that the other political parties, such as the Development United Party (PPP) and the Prosperous and Justice Party (PKS) will join the Gerindra-PAN coalition.

Previously, an official from the Gerindra party Riza Patria remarked that Prabowo Subianto is seeking a running mate with strong electability.

"Prabowo Subiantos would-be running mate should have strong electability and we will support whoever he is," Riza affirmed.

Regarding a shadow cabinet, Patria stated that the party had not yet discussed it.

"Our focus is still on a coalition for the presidential election. Only after that will the other programs be taken up," he added.

Based on the result of the parliamentary election held on April 9, none of the 12 political parties in the national level have been able to gain 25 percent of the national votes.

Due to their failure to win majority votes in the legislative elections, the parties will have to coalesce in order to be able to meet the presidential threshold.

As of now, only the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has announced that it will form a coalition with the National Democrat Party (Nasdem). Other parties have not yet declared whether they will join the PDIP-Nasdem coalition or form a new alliance. (WDY)