Gearing Up for 2024

KOMPAS/NIKSON SINAGA

Moeldoko made a speech at the Extraordinary Democratic Party Congress after being elected as General Chair, in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Friday (5/3/2021).

Shifting dynamics between political elites amid an uncontrolled pandemic is seemingly related to preparations for the 2024 legislative and presidential elections.

After the government stated it will not be revising the presidential election law and the regional elections law, political preparations have begun. Leaders of political parties have begun to discuss the formation of a coalition toward 2024, as President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s term will end on October 24, 2024.

Also read: Internal Strife could Disrupt Covid-19 Response

The 2024 presidential election stands as a targeted empty seat of power. Constitutionally, President Jokowi will not be able to run again. Indeed, there have been votes to change the constitution and allow Jokowi to have three terms. However, we can be sure that President Jokowi and other political forces have taken no steps to change the law. Let power circulate periodically.

Also read: The Democratic Conflict Amid Pandemic

Golkar Party chairman Airlangga Hartarto met with Nasdem Party chairman Surya Paloh, then with Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto and United Development Party (PPP) chairman Suharso Monoarfa. Golkar then held a national leadership meeting (rapimnas), which sought to support the government in not revising the presidential election law. During the meeting with Surya Paloh, a discussion emerged about presidential candidate conventions.

Moeldoko’s move puts President Jokowi in a dilemma. Meanwhile, Agus Harimurti considers an extraordinary congress to be illegitimate.

A maneuver by General Moeldoko – now the Presidential Chief of Staff – to accept the offer to become chairman of the Democratic Party, which is still occupied by Major Agus Harimurti Yudhyono, may be related to the 2024 elections. Moeldoko’s move puts President Jokowi in a dilemma. Meanwhile, Agus Harimurti considers an extraordinary congress to be illegitimate.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Chairman of the Democratic Party Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono / AHY (center) answers questions from journalists when they arrive at the RI Ministry of Law and Human Rights Building, Jakarta, Monday (08/03/2021). AHY submitted a number of Democratic Party files.

Maintaining political bonds in preparation for the 2024 elections is legal. However, what political leaders must understand is how to deal with situations in a way that democracy can be maintained. The circulation of power in the government and across political parties must adhere to the constitution or statues of political parties. Political steps must not be taken by justifying methods that ignores laws, norms and rationality.

Also read: Coup in Political Parties

With no amendments made to the presidential election law, it is certain that only the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) can nominate a presidential candidate in 2024. Other parties must build coalitions to get tickets for the 2024 elections. Moreover, the mechanism used to screen presidential candidates must not only consider popularity, but also the competence to overcome the complexities of the nation’s problems.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Several Democratic Party flags are installed on the Senayan flyover, Jakarta, to welcome the Democratic Party\'s 5th Congress on Sunday (15/3/2020).

Preparations must be made. However, ministers who also sit as chairpersons of political parties must continue to serve the president. They are responsible for carrying out the vision and mission of the President Jokowi’s administration. As President Jokowi said, there is no ministerial vision and mission, only the president’s vision and mission. This means that although a number of political party leaders are leading ministries and the Presidential Staff Office, they are still first and foremost assistants to the president.

(This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia).