Promises Not to Run Against Prabowo, Zulhas Wants to Focus on Being PAN Chairman

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Vice Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Viva Yoga Mauladi, emphasized that Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) intends to focus on his role as PAN's Chairman.

Previously, Zulhas had declared to President Prabowo Subianto that he and the Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia would not run as presidential candidates.

"Yes, that's correct (he is focusing on being PAN Chairman)," Viva told Kompas.com on Sunday (20/9/2026).

Viva added that Zulhas will also concentrate on increasing PAN's votes, both in the national parliament and at regional levels.

"The plan is to focus on gaining more votes and seats in legislative bodies, both in the DPR and in regional parliaments (DPRD)," he added.

National Mandate Party (PAN) Chairman Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) reported to President Prabowo Subianto that he and Bahlil Lahadalia have definitely decided not to run for president.

However, he said, PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) is still contemplating a presidential bid.

Zulhas conveyed this during his speech at PAN's 28th anniversary celebration at JCC Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday evening (18/9/2026).

"Mr. President, actually Gus Muhaimin, Mr. Bahlil, and I are all supporters of your vision, Mr. Prabowo. The only difference is that Mr. Bahlil and I probably won't run for president. But Mr. Muhaimin is still thinking about it," Zulhas said.

Upon hearing Zulhas' comment, Bahlil laughed heartily while Cak Imin smiled and raised his hand.

He then agreed with Bahlil that it's best to leave the presidency to Prabowo.

"Our friend, Golkar Party Chairman Brother Bahlil Lahadalia. Mr. Bahlil, being a party chairman is quite demanding. Especially being president, Mr. Chairman. Just being chairman is challenging, let alone becoming president. So I think Bahlil and I agree that the presidency should just be left to Mr. Prabowo, right?" Zulhas added.