Four official names dropped from Vice Presidential nomination in Indonesia’s PDI-P Party for Presidential Election 202

INDONESIA: The political landscape in Indonesia took an intriguing turn as the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) revealed the five narrowed-down candidates for the vice-presidential ticket alongside Ganjar Pranowo for the 2024 Presidential Election.

President Joko Widodo, after performing the Idul Fitri prayers in Solo, Central Java on April 22, 2023, mentioned several names in connection with the vice-presidential nomination process.

This comes after Puan Maharani, the Chairperson of the PDI-P’s Political Affairs Division, announced the five names now vying for the position of Ganjar Pranowo’s running mate.

The shortlisted candidates are Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, proposed by the United Development Party (PPP), which became the first political party to form a political alliance with the PDI-P.

Additionally, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, recommended by the Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan during his visit last month.

Retired Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Andika Perkasa also made the list, with his name emerging during an internal PDI-P event. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), and the Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar were named as potential candidates.

AHY’s inclusion was particularly surprising, announced by Puan during a recent national conference, while Muhaimin’s name entered the fray after a celebration event in Solo.

The official announcement of these five names was made by Puan during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the National Awakening Party (PKB) at Manahan Stadium in Solo, Central Java, on 23 July.

With this announcement, several potential candidates who were previously considered for the vice-presidential ticket alongside Ganjar are automatically excluded from the selection process.

Earlier, there were mentions of Airlangga Hartanto as the one of potential vice-presidential candidates for Ganjar during the PDI-P’s national conference in mid-July. However, Golkar Party insisted that Airlangga play a more prominent role as a presidential candidate.

Similarly, Ridwan Kamil, the Governor of West Java, declined an offer from Puan, stating his focus on the upcoming West Java gubernatorial election and securing his second term in office.

“Yes, that’s correct. Meanwhile, we maintain that stance, and Pak Ridwan Kamil is committed to supporting Pak Airlangga,” said the Secretary-General (Sekjen) of the Golkar Party, Lodewijk F. Paulus, at the Central Executive Board Office (DPP) of the Golkar Party, West Jakarta, on Thursday, June 28, 2023.”

In another internal PDI-P event, Mahfud MD, the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security, and Basuki Hadimuljono, the Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing were mentioned as potential vice-presidential candidates for Ganjar, but their names were not mentioned by Puan when announcing the final shortlist.

The Secretary-General of the PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto, hinted that the official announcement of the vice-presidential candidate alongside Ganjar Pranowo would take place in September 2023. However, the decision would be discussed with the leaders of political parties supporting Ganjar, including President Joko Widodo.

“But whether Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri, together with the party chairmen who support Pak Ganjar, will announce it that month, we will consult together, including with President Jokowi,” said Hasto during the One Table (Satu Meja) the Forum event aired on Kompas TV, 12 July.”

Megawati Sukarnoputri, the Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)

The ultimate selection of the vice-presidential candidate rests solely with Megawati Sukarnoputri, the Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

As the daughter of Indonesia’s Proclamation Proclaimer, Bung Karno, Megawati asserted that the choice of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the PDI-P is her prerogative.

The timing of the announcement is likewise within her authority. Megawati urged all parties to understand and patiently wait for her decision. This declaration came during her visit to inaugurate the Surabaya Mangrove Botanical Garden in Gunung Anyar on 26 July.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, anticipation is mounting for the official announcement of Ganjar Pranowo’s running mate, with Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election shaping up to be a closely watched and highly contested affair.