A recent poll has suggested that a majority of Indonesians believe popular Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo would be the most likely to continue the current administration’s programs if elected president in 2024, while opposition figure Anies Baswedan would be the most likely to seek to undo President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s policies.

The survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC), conducted from May 2 to 5 by telephone and published on Monday, polled 925 respondents on the issue of change and continuity.

“Fifty-eight percent of critical voters believe that Ganjar will continue President Jokowi’s programs with only 22 percent judging that Ganjar will undermine the President’s legacy,” SMRC political researcher Deni Irvani said.

This contrasts starkly with the public’s perception of Anies. Only 27 percent of respondents believed the former governor of Jakarta would continue the President’s programs, and 47 percent said Anies would change Jokowi’s policies.

Both Ganjar and Jokowi are members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), and the two have been noted for their preference for blusukan (impromptu visits), which have been something of a political calling card for Jokowi.

Jokowi has been actively seeking to influence the hunt for his successor to ensure that his legacy continues past 2024, when his second and final term ends. He has appeared to hint at his support for both Ganjar and Gerindra Party chair Prabowo Subianto for the 2024 presidency but has not officially endorsed any candidates yet.

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