Despite securing victory nationally and in Central Java during February's legislative elections, the PDI-P faces the daunting task of nominating gubernatorial candidates who can match the popularity of the rival hopefuls.

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

However, their electability standings in various public opinion polls were only in the low single digits, far lower than two highly favored prospective contenders, including Ahmad Lutfi from the rival Gerindra Party.

Lately, the PDI-P has been touting the idea of nominating former military commander Andika Perkasa, who joined the party last year after decades of a decorated military career.

Andika is the son-in-law of retired army general AM Hendropriyono, a former intelligence chief during the presidency of PDI-P matriarch Megawati Soekarnoputri from 2001 to 2004.

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 Central Java and other key battleground provinces.