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PDI-P pick for president won't be based only on popularity rating: Hasto
Secretary-general of the PDI-P Hasto Kristiyanto said the party would only back a presidential candidate who could show a long-term commitment to protect the country's interests.
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Secretary-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Hasto Kristiyanto leaves the KPK building in Jakarta on Jan. 24, 2020. (Antara/M. Risyal Hidayat)
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senior politician of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) said on Wednesday that popularity of political candidates would not be the deciding factor for the party to decide who it would back as presidential candidate in the 2024 general elections.
Secretary-general of the PDI-P Hasto Kristiyanto said the party would only back a presidential candidate who could show a long-term commitment to protect the country's interests.
"Yes, Pak Jokowi talked about poll numbers and popularity [of Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto], but presidential election is not only about electoral numbers but should be about commitments, ideas and responsibility for the country's future," Hasto told a political talk show aired by Kompas TV on Wednesday night.
Hasto was responding to a question if President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo proposed the names of Ganjar and Prabowo as the presidential ticket to PDI-P chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri during a private meeting late last week at the State Palace.
The senior PDI-P politician also added that the decision to nominate a presidential ticket would only be part of a concerted effort to win the 2024 general elections.
"There's only so much that a president can do to affect massive change. And remember, next year's election will be a simultaneous one, so there needs to be joint collective efforts from political parties to win legislative agendas," Hasto said.
Jokowi has confirmed that his meeting last Saturday with Megawati was to discuss next year’s presidential race, and that he also informed her of his preferred candidates.
