The PPP is reportedly seeking to pair Ganjar with Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, who recently left the Gerindra Party and is rumored to be planning to join the country’s oldest Islamic party.
The United Development Party (PPP) has officially nominated Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Ganjar Pranowo as its presidential candidate for the 2024 election, paving the way for an electoral alliance between the Islamic party and the nation’s largest nationalist party.
The PPP is reportedly seeking to pair Ganjar, the current governor of Central Java, with Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, who recently left the Gerindra Party and is rumored to be planning to join the country’s oldest Islamic party.
The PPP’s decision follows its national leadership meeting held in Yogyakarta from Sunday to Tuesday, at which most representatives of the party’s provincial branches expressed support for Ganjar.
"The PPP has decided [to endorse] Ganjar Pranowo," PPP acting chairman Muhamad Mardiono said on Wednesday, citing the politician’s popularity and leadership qualities.
The PPP’s nomination came only days after PDI-P matriarch Megawati Soekarnoputri announced Ganjar as the party’s presidential nominee, following months of speculation that she had reservations about the silver-haired politician.
Mardiono said the PPP would start talks with the PDI-P regarding their shared support for Ganjar and would offer to pair him with a PPP member.
The PDI-P-PPP alliance, known as the “watermelon coalition”, went back to the early days of the Reform period, Mardiono said, noting that from 2001 to 2004, former PPP chairman Hamzah Haz had served as the vice president for then-president Megawati and that Ganjar’s deputy in Central Java was PPP politician Taj Yasin Maimoen.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.