Ganjar Pranowo and Ridwan Kamil ended their respective gubernatorial terms in Central Java and West Java on Tuesday, as the two popular politicians are now set to embark on different paths heading into the February general election.

Ganjar, an Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician who had served as Central Java governor for two full terms, is going to contest next year's presidential election.

Meanwhile, Ridwan, a Golkar Party politician, once said he was open to running for reelection as West Java governor in 2024 despite having risen in public opinion polls as a popular choice for the vice presidency. Next year’s regional elections are set to be held in November after the February presidential and legislative elections.

Taking to their social media accounts on Sunday, Ganjar and Ridwan, both of whom are social media darlings, posted videos of themselves emptying their offices, with captions thanking their respective local communities for their support during their terms as regional leaders.

On Tuesday, Ganjar held an event at his gubernatorial office in Semarang, where thousands of residents gathered to bid farewell.

“I would like to convey my gratitude, and apologies for the past 10 years if I have not been the perfect governor and if there are still many tasks that have not been completed,” Ganjar said during the event. He was then seen tearing up as he exited the stage.

Read also: West Java Governor Ridwan eyes reelection in 2024

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