Ridwan Kamil, former West Java governor and a new member of the country’s second-largest party, has gained traction as one of the key contenders being eyed to run alongside Ganjar Pranowo as vice-presidential candidate, despite his party Golkar forming an alliance with rival Prabowo Subianto.

Social-media savvy Ridwan, 51, affectionately known as Kang Emil, has emerged as one of the top candidates under consideration of party leaders in the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)-led bloc to become Ganjar’s running mate, PDI-P secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said.

The possibility of Ridwan joining Ganjar on the ticket, Hasto noted, had been discussed last week in a closed-door meeting between PDI-P matriarch Megawati Soekarnoputri and leaders of supporting parties, the Muslim-based National Development Party’s (PPP) Mardiono; Hanura’s Oesman Sapta Odang; and media mogul Hary Tanoesoedibjo of Perindo.

Aside from Ridwan, other top candidates discussed during last week’s meeting, Hasto said, included Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD, 66, and Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, 54.

“Names of figures who are perceived positively by the people certainly will be studied extensively by the PDI-P,” Hasto said, adding that the party would scrutinize their track records and weigh “their leadership character and ability to work together” with Ganjar.

Ridwan-Megawati meeting

Speculation has been rife that Ridwan stands a serious chance of being tapped as a vice-presidential candidate as he reportedly has forged intense communication with Megawati, who analysts believe has the final say over the choice of Ganjar's running mate for the upcoming race.

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