President Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, addresses support for Presidential Election 2024

INDONESIA: In a recent statement, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the Mayor of Solo and son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), shed light on the direction of his father’s support for the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Jokowi’s volunteers at Restoran Telaga Sampireun in Central Jakarta on Thursday (27 Jul), Gibran confirmed that President Jokowi has already directed his support towards a potential presidential candidate for 2024.

“Yes, he has,” said Gibran in response to a question about whether Jokowi had made up his mind on supporting a specific candidate.

However, Gibran refrained from divulging the name of the candidate who had received Jokowi’s backing, nor did he disclose the criteria used by his father in making this decision. “We’ll reveal the details later,” he added.

During the meeting with Jokowi’s volunteers, Gibran expressed that he has also made a decision regarding his own choice for the 2024 Presidential Election. However, he chose not to disclose his preference, stating, “If I have made up my mind, there’s no need to ask again.”

Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo Subianto

The gathering at Restoran Telaga Sampireun saw warm reception from Jokowi’s volunteers, where Gibran arrived at 12:03 PM wearing a white t-shirt. When asked about the purpose of his visit, Gibran simply replied, “Just here to have lunch, nothing else to discuss.”

Gibran was seen sitting with several prominent figures, including Michael Umbas, the Chairman of Arus Bawah Jokowi (ABJ); Pertiwi Putri Kisnuwardhani, the Chairwoman of Pertiwi Putri; Paiman Raharjo, the Chairman of Sedulur Jokowi; Utje Gustaff Patty, the Chairman of Bara JP; Nizar, the Secretary-General of Solidaritas Ulama Muda Jokowi (Samawi); and Darmizal, the Chairman of Relawan Jokowi (ReJo).

The event commenced with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, “Indonesia Raya.” Representatives from Jokowi Smart (Josmart), Sahabat Juang Jokowi (Sajojo), and Kornas Jokowi were also present.

During the meeting, Gibran urged all Jokowi’s volunteer organizations to remain patient and await guidance from his father regarding their stance and direction of support for the 2024 Presidential Election.

Gibran expressed his frustration at the ongoing speculations about his support for a particular presidential candidate, stating that he has been subjected to misleading interpretations of his stance.

He called on Jokowi’s volunteers not to be easily influenced by the framing done by various parties regarding the direction of support in the upcoming election.

In response to Gibran’s statements, the Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Daniel Johan, expressed optimism that Jokowi’s support would go to Gerindra’s Chairman Prabowo Subianto.

However, he also acknowledged that it was uncertain whether Jokowi would publicly declare his backing for a specific candidate.

“But this is just entertaining speculation,” said Daniel to reporters on Friday (28 Jul).

On the other hand, the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Hasto Kristiyanto, firmly believed that Jokowi’s support would be for Ganjar Pranowo.

Likewise, the Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the United Development (PPP), Achmad Baidowi (Awiek), shared the sentiment, stating that Ganjar Pranowo’s candidacy aligned rationally and positively with Jokowi’s support.

He said Jokowi’s support for Ganjar arises naturally. “Because the most logical continuation of Jokowi’s legacy is Ganjar, both being from Central Java and PDIP members, the continuity is indeed natural, not merely due to a newfound acquaintance,” stated Awiek.

Conversely, the Deputy Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Viva Yoga Mauladi, pointed out that Jokowi’s recent closeness to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and State-Owned Enterprises Minister (BUMN) Erick Thohir indicated a potential inclination towards supporting them.

Joko Widodo, the President of the Republic of Indonesia

According to Viva Yoga, Erick Thohir indeed has a chance to run as a potential vice-presidential candidate.

Moreover, based on the Indikator Politik’s survey, Erick Thohir’s electability as a potential vice-presidential candidate stands at 22.9 percent in a simulation of five names. This places him in the first position, surpassing West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil (20.1 percent) and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menprekraf) Sandiaga Uno (17.5 percent).

“This is certainly a political advantage to increase the electoral support for the candidate pair if there will be one,” he said.

In response to speculations about Gibran and Jokowi’s unified support for a presidential candidate, PDIP presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo emphasized that they would ultimately stand together behind a single candidate. He added that he respected President Jokowi’s decision and that every citizen, including Jokowi, had the right to support any candidate they deemed fit.

“He definitely has one endorsement. It can’t be two, only one is chosen,” said Ganjar at Pos Bloc, Jakarta, on Saturday (29 Jul).

Ganjar emphasized that he would respect whoever President Jokowi and his family decide to support. “It’s President Jokowi’s decision, and we should respect whoever he endorses,” he stated. According to Ganjar, every citizen, including Jokowi, has the right to support any presidential candidate they choose. “It’s his political right,” Ganjar concluded.

As the 2024 Presidential Election draws nearer, the political landscape remains dynamic, with various candidates vying for Jokowi’s endorsement, adding intrigue and suspense to the upcoming electoral process.