Born on Sept. 24, 1966, in Jombang, East Java, Muhaimin “Cak Imin” Iskandar is a significant player in Indonesian politics.

He has been at the helm of the National Awakening Party (PKB) as its chairman since 2005, and his political journey commenced in the 1999 general election when he secured a legislative seat representing Sidoarjo, East Java. 

In 2009, he took on a ministerial role as the manpower and transmigration minister, a major boost for his political ambitions and prominence.

What is his background?

Cak Imin's early life was marked by his close association with a prominent figure in Indonesian politics, former president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, who was also his uncle.

His childhood memories include Gus Dur as a teacher and a mentor, sharing moments of playing soccer.

Unfortunately, their relationship would turn sour later when Cak Imin and Gus Dur went head-to-head for the leadership of the PKB.

Other than Cak Imin’s relationship with Gus Dur, his educational background also played a significant role in shaping his political career. 

He began his academic pursuits at the Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri in Jombang and later attended Madrasah Aliyah (MA) Negeri 1 Yogyakarta. 

In 1985, after completing his education in the Islamic boarding school system, he pursued a bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), graduating in 1992 at the age of 26. 

Cak Imin's political career commenced during the Reform Era in 1998 when he cofounded the PKB alongside prominent figures from Nahdlatul Ulama, including Gus Dur. 

He assumed the role of secretary-general of the PKB. 

He continued his political ascent in the 1999 general election, being elected as a member of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) for two consecutive terms, and notably becoming a deputy speaker of the House of Representatives at the age of 33, making him one of the youngest leaders in the legislature at the time.

Cak Imin's political journey reached new heights when he was elected as chairman of the PKB by overthrowing his uncle during the 2005 PKB congress in Semarang, Central Java. 

His leadership was marked by his ability to navigate the PKB through challenging political dynamics, particularly during the 2005-2009 period, when the party went through numerous internal conflicts. 

What does he stand for?

Cak Imin's vision for Indonesia is grounded in populism. 

He has pledged to increase village funds to Rp 5 billion per village, up from the current Rp 2 billion, to promote local economic development and uplift the lives of rural communities. 

He emphasizes that this increase in village funds is a modest investment to foster economic progress, given the nation's wealth and potential for growth.

Ideologically speaking, as chairman of a religious-nationalist party that is heavily affiliated with the largest Islamic mass organization, Cak Imin stands for equality for all Indonesians, regardless of their religion, race, personal preferences or tribal identity.

What does he bring to the table?

As of Dec. 31, 2022, the longtime politician had declared a total wealth of Rp 27.2 billion ($1.75 million).

Throughout Cak Imin’s political career, rarely has he been on the losing side in an election. His political journey demonstrates his experience and understanding of the political landscape, particularly within the PKB. 

Cak Imin’s ability to unite various factions within the party and guide it through challenging times highlights his leadership skills.

In the upcoming 2024 presidential elections, his partnership with Anies Baswedan offers a unique blend of strengths. His traditional and rural support in East Java complements Anies's urban and modern base, making them a formidable team to capture the Javanese and Muslim votes.

Their combined efforts may prove to be a pivotal factor in the race for the presidency, particularly in the provinces of Java island, the most populous region in Indonesia and where the electoral balance could determine the outcome of the election.