A relative newcomer to Indonesia’s high-level political scene, Erick first came into prominence in 2018 when he led the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC). Despite his lack of political experience, his success led to Erick being appointed as head of Jokowi’s campaign team in 2019 and after the president secured reelection, as SOEs Minister.

As minister, Erick has managed to lead SOEs through the COVID-19 pandemic, notching a profit of Rp 126 trillion (US$8 billion) in 2021, up from just Rp 13 trillion in 2020. President Jokowi has also entrusted Erick with additional tasks, with the minister using his connections in the soccer world to act as an envoy and meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster in East Java in October.

Besides his proven track record, Erick has amassed quite the fortune, giving him yet another advantage to contest in Indonesia’s high-cost electoral process.

According to his official wealth report (LHKPN), Erick’s wealth of Rp. 2.3 trillion makes him one of the wealthiest active ministers and he has used that wealth to partake in his love for sport in the past. From 2013 to 2018, Erick served as president of Italy’s premier soccer club, Inter Milan and he has owned shares in the United States’ NBA team Philadelphia 76ers as well.

The blossoming relationship between Jokowi and Erick extended into personal space, as evidenced by the latter’s recent role in helping organize the nuptials of Jokowi’s youngest son Kaesang Pangarep, said Sirojudin Abbas, executive director of the Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) pollster.

“It’s almost impossible for [Jokowi’s family] to ask someone they don’t trust to help prepare a sacred wedding ceremony,” Sirojudin told The Jakarta Post.

While Sirojudin sees no political motive behind Erick’s involvement with the wedding, the President has recently stressed the importance of maintaining continuity for the 2024 polls and has hinted at support for his own Cabinet members, including Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto.

“As the incumbent and two-term president, of course Jokowi has an interest in making sure that the programs he’s started can be continued,” said Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) political analyst Arya Fernandes in a recent interview.

Dark horse

Given his credentials, Erick has been regularly tipped as a dark horse for the 2024 elections. While the founder of media conglomerate Mahaka Group has denied speculation about a presidential run in 2024, jokingly saying that the “next president has to be Javanese” in October, he made no mention about being vice president.

Due to his rising profile, Erick is now considered as one of the most eligible vice-presidential candidates. An Indikator Politik survey released in December has him ranked fourth with an electability rating of 9.6 percent out of 18 names.

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil led the poll with a rating of 19.7 percent followed by Democratic Party chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono with 16.3 percent and Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno with 12.8 percent.

“If the economy remains the biggest challenge for Indonesia in 2023 and beyond, Erick Thohir is one candidate that has the capability to answer that challenge,” said Sirojudin. Looking at his track record, the political analyst reckons that he is worthy of consideration in the vice president seat.

While Erick is currently not affiliated with any political parties, he met with Gerindra chairman Prabowo in October and has a close relationship with the National Mandate Party (PAN), both formerly opposition parties that have now joined the government coalition.

PAN chairman Zulkifli Hasan has repeatedly praised Erick for his work as minister and has backed him as vice president. “If I had to choose, I’d go for Erick Thohir. [...] He’s the kind of hard worker with a proven track record that this country needs,” said Zulkifli at a launch event for Erick’s biography in November, as reported by Antara.

Erick recently tried to distance himself from speculation, after his image was found to be used in campaign banners set up across Surakarta, Central Java, alongside the region’s incumbent Governor Ganjar Pranowo.

He asserted that candidacies are for political parties to decide and that the process is still ongoing. “I’m not part of any party. I’m still focused on working for the SOEs Ministry,” he said on Dec. 5, as quoted by Kompas.com.

Difficult nomination

While on paper Erick could be considered a capable VP candidate, the current political landscape might prove to be a roadblock. “Let alone deciding which pair to nominate, right now the parties aren’t even capable of forming a robust coalition,” said Arya.

With Jokowi still between two minds when it comes to backing candidates, Arya argues that the president too is still weighing his options for the 2024 race.