The PDI-P may have scored historic hat-trick wins in February's legislative elections, nationally and in Central Java, but eroding margins in its victory have raised alarm bells over souring support among its traditional voters.

Despite having served as Central Java governor for two consecutive terms, PDI-P presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo also lost in the province to president-elect Prabowo Subianto, who ran with Jokowi’s oldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka and received the tacit support of Jokowi. The PDI-P parted ways with Jokowi following the February elections.

PDI-P matriarch Megawati Soekarnoputri is now faced with the daunting task of nominating a candidate pair for the gubernatorial election in Central Java in November, where Jokowi is once again expected to challenge the party’s long-standing dominance.

Some PDI-P members have been keen on nominating fellow colleagues rather than outsiders, insisting that the party has a host of “accomplished leaders” capable of leading the province.

Two prospective candidates currently being weighed by the party are Semarang office head Hendrar “Hendi” Prihadi and provincial chapter chair Bambang Wuryanto.

But the latest talks have centered on former military commander Andika Perkasa, who joined the PDI-P last year after decades of a decorated military career, as a possible contender for the Central Java election.