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PDI-P weighs some potential running mates for Ganjar
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has laid out some of the potential running mates for presidential nominee Ganjar Pranowo, as the largest party in the ruling coalition hinted at the possibility of widening its electoral alliance.
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President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo (left) stands alongside Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri (center, front) and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (second right, front) during the party's national meeting in South Jakarta on Wednesday. (The Jakarta Post/Antara)
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has laid out some of the potential running mates for presidential nominee Ganjar Pranowo on its radar as the largest party in the ruling coalition hinted at the possibility of widening its electoral alliance.
Speaking on the sidelines of the party’s three-day national meeting on Tuesday, PDI-P executive and heir apparent Puan Maharani revealed that the party remained open to pairing the Central Java governor with some oft-mentioned potential vice-presidential candidates in public opinion polls.
Among names on the PDI-P’s radar are Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD, State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, Democratic Party chair Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Golkar Party chair Airlangga Sutarto and member Ridwan Kamil, who is also the West Java governor.
“They will eventually be narrowed down, but not today as we are still weighing every potential name,” Puan said.
Another name proposed for consideration is Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, a PDI-P member who has earned the nickname of “the father of infrastructure” by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo for his role in building infrastructure in Papua, Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara, according to secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto.
"These names will be reviewed by the party’s chairwoman in every aspect before holding dialogue with leaders of other parties and the President,” Hasto said on Wednesday.
PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who has an undisputable veto on the party’s ticket, said in April that she was in no rush to make up her mind over the vice-presidential pick, with “more than 10 figures” having lined up to be Ganjar’s running mate.
