JAKARTA - Indonesia's largest political party said it would support incoming president Prabowo Subianto, but it was unclear on Oct 17 whether it would formally join his already dominant coalition, just days ahead of the inauguration ceremony.

       If Mr Prabowo, who will take over the presidency on Oct 20, can reach a deal with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) there would be no opposition parties in Parliament, an unprecedented situation since Indonesia began holding direct presidential elections in 2004.

       "We're solid in supporting the incoming government as a way to build Indonesia's future," Ms Puan Maharani, House Speaker and a senior PDI-P official, said on Oct 16, according to state media. It was unclear whether she meant the PDI-P was joining the coalition.

       The PDI-P did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for clarification of the comment.

       There has been persistent talk about a meeting between PDI-P chief Megawati Sukarnoputri and Mr Prabowo in recent weeks, and Ms Puan said one would "hopefully" take place but did not give a specific time.

       A top Prabowo aide said earlier this week the two would meet without giving details on timing.

       Mr Prabowo briefed his would-be ministers on Oct 16 on economic and geopolitical issues, as cabinet assessments continued.

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       He has summoned dozens of people this week who said they had been asked to join the next government, including current Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati. His Cabinet has not been officially unveiled.

       Mr Budi Gunawan, a former chief of Indonesia's Intelligence Agency who is considered close to the PDI-P, attended Mr Prabowo's briefing for his potential ministers, according to Mr Budi Arie Setiadi, another ministerial candidate who attended the meeting.

       While not formally a part of the PDI-P, Mr Budi Gunawan is known to be close to Ms Megawati and often attends party events.

       The absence of any opposition in Parliament would ensure smooth passage of Mr Prabowo's legislative agenda, but would likely heighten fears about a lack of meaningful checks on Mr Prabowo's power in a country with a history of authoritarian rule.

       Seven of the eight parties in Parliament have already joined Mr Prabowo's coalition, securing him a parliamentary majority.

       PDI-P, which won the most seats in the February election, had nominated Mr Prabowo's predecessor, Mr Joko Widodo, for president in 2014. But their relationship soured over Mr Widodo's tacit support for Mr Prabowo during his election campaign. REUTERS