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Jokowi’s endorsement and his role as election power broker
In return for mobilizing both his vast volunteers and governmental networks to support his chosen candidate, Jokowi will be able to secure for himself a key position that would strengthen, if not preserve, his political influence and standing in post-2024 Indonesia.
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Power of the masses: President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo greets his supporters at a rally at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Nov. 26. During the event, thousands of volunteers from various groups renewed their loyalty to Jokowi. (Antara/Aprillio Akbar)
Many insights can be generated from the very rare activity of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in showering his blessings and support on a possible successor. After giving his apparent endorsement to Defense Minister and Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto, Jokowi recently hinted at his strong support for Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo by mentioning a “white-haired” man as an ideal leader.
Such a strong endorsement from Jokowi demonstrates his confidence as the central figure in the electoral orbit. It also blatantly challenges his long-term Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) patron Megawati Soekarnoputri, who in 2014 belittled the newly elected President as a mere “party officer”.
Aside from placing himself as the new kingmaker, showing support for certain presidential aspirants is also indicative of a role as power broker. With his persona and the resources at his disposal, Jokowi now is valuable not only in his popular name but, more importantly, in his blessings as a guarantee of mass mobilization.
In return for mobilizing both his vast volunteers and governmental networks to support his chosen candidate, Jokowi will be able to secure for himself a key position that would strengthen, if not preserve, his political influence and standing in post-2024 Indonesia.
But why did the best-established political persona become the most ambitious in seeking more influence at the end of his tenure?
In Indonesia’s constitutional democracy, political parties and coalitions of parties have the right to nominate presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Jokowi, who is constitutionally ineligible for reelection, has demonstrated he must be calculating in all his moves and well-informed in delivering his endorsement. A series of crafted partisan speeches have been executed to direct the public’s sentiment as well as avoid an unbearable blunder. The president played it safe by generously hailing former rival Prabowo and also flattering Golkar chairman Airlangga Hartarto, another firm candidate for the 2024 election.
