Political parties have been racing to announce who they will be backing in the 2024 presidential election. Most recently, the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) declared its support for Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo in the election, saying he is the most suitable to carry on President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s legacy.

The PSI made its announcement on Oct. 3, shortly after the NasDem Party declared the nomination of then-Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan as its presidential candidate. According to PSI board of trustees chair Grace Natalie, the party made Ganjar its choice due to their aligned visions. Grace also emphasized that Ganjar was chosen by the people through consultations the party had held since February.

PSI chairman Giring Ganesha later suggested that the National Mandate Party (PAN) follow suit during his visit to the PAN headquarters on Oct. 13. Though PAN secretary-general Eddy Soeparno claimed that the meeting did not name any figure, Ganjar is on PAN’s list of nine potential presidential candidates. Meanwhile, several PAN regional branches have openly declared their support for Ganjar.

After the meeting with PAN, the PSI also plans to approach the United Development Party (PPP). Having already met with the Golkar Party back in August, it is suggested that the PSI is sending a strong message to the members of the United Indonesia Coalition (KIB), which, coupled with talks that the alliance was initially formed to give Ganjar a political vehicle, might not be so far-fetched.

Despite his high electability rate, Ganjar stands no chance of running for president if his party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), does not endorse him. Though the PDI-P has yet to make up its mind in relation to its presidential choice, many are convinced that the party will award its ticket to chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri’s daughter, Puan Maharani.

The initial plan to use the KIB as a political vehicle for Ganjar might just work out considering that the majority of PAN and PPP voters have championed Ganjar from the beginning. An issue that stands, however, is that the Golkar Party has insisted on nominating chairman Airlangga Hartarto, in spite of his consistently low electability ratings.

On a separate note, Ganjar has done little to convey his presidential ambitions, especially since the decision will be left up to the PDI-P. In response to the PSI’s announcement, Ganjar said each political party had the right to select its presidential candidate. In addition to his expression of gratitude, Ganjar said he would prioritize his duties as Central Java governor.

Popular

Power begins to return after outage in Indonesia's Bali island

North Sumatra to investigate hot mudflow eruptions in Mandailing Natal

'Devastated' Prince Harry says no UK return but seeks reconciliation