Gerindra Pins Hopes on Prabowo as a Figure

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto (center) along with party officials attend the opening of the Gerindra Party National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, Friday (12/8/2022).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – At the Gerindra Party’s national leadership meeting (Rapimnas) on Friday (12/8/2022), it was decided that chairman Prabowo Subianto will again run in the 2024 presidential election.

This will mark Prabowo’s fourth time contesting the presidential race, illustrating just how dependent the party is on its leader. Such dependency on one figure, however, may weaken the party.

Gun Gun Heryanto, th director of The Political Literacy Institute, when asked to comment on Gerindra’s decision to back Prabowo, suggested that the party’s decision was related not only to the 2024 presidential election, but also to gain a coattail effect in the 2024 legislative election.

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Gerindra’s votes skyrocketed in 2014 and 2019 because of Prabowo, with the party emerging in the top three parties in both elections.

However, Prabowo’s renomination also showed how dependent Gerindra is on certain figures in the party.

“The presence of a figure is important, but if you rely on only one figure, there is the fragility of political institutionalization. If one day that figure no longer holds a strategic position, the political party will not be able to survive,” said Gun Gun.

A strong cadre system was needed, instead of simply relying on Prabowo. As a result, the party would also be stronger.

Therefore, Prabowo and Gerindra must build a stronger structure for the party. A strong cadre system was needed, instead of simply relying on Prabowo. As a result, the party would also be stronger.

Responding to requests

Prabowo decided to run in the 2024 presidential election after listening to the opinions and requests of the party’s executive board (DPD), regional executive boards (DPC), foreign executive boards (DPLN) and affiliated organizations at the 2022 Rapimnas.

“After carefully considering and listening to the opinions of every executive board and party wing that expects me to run as a presidential candidate in 2024, I hereby declare with a full sense of responsibility that I accept your requests and am willing to be nominated as a presidential candidate,” Prabowo said.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party Prabowo Subianto along with party officials attend the opening of the Gerindra Party National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, Friday (12/8/2022).

He emphasized that his losses in the last three elections (twice as a presidential candidate in 2014 and 2019, and once as a vice presidential candidate in 2009) would not deter him. A person with a warrior’s mentality can rise again after being knocked down, especially in the pursuit of improving the nation.

He also expressed appreciation for President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s statesmanship.

In his 90-minute speech, Prabowo also highlighted his commitment to maintain national unity and integrity, pointing to his decision to join the coalition government after the 2019 presidential election. He also expressed appreciation for President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s statesmanship.

In a Kompas interview on July 29 with Gerindra executive chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Sufmi revealed that Prabowo expressed his willingness to contest the 2024 presidential election in a closed meeting between Gerindra’s core leadership at Prabowo’s residence in Jakarta in mid-July. Because Prabowo had already made up his mind, Gerindra held the meeting to confirm their chairman’s decision.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO (KUM)

Gerindra executive chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad.

Prabowo’s intention to run as a presidential candidate cannot be separated from President Jokowi’s blessing. The President once asked about Prabowo’s desire to run for president again, to which Prabowo said he was willing if given the opportunity. “If it turns out that I can [contest the race], then yes, with various considerations, I will,” he said.

At the State Palace on Friday, the President also confirmed this. “He is the one who said so himself, how could I refuse? It shouldn’t be like that. [He is] welcome to. It is our democracy and this is how it should be done. It isn’t right for a minister to convey this to me and I oppose, it shouldn’t be like that. So, go ahead,” Jokowi told reporters when confirming his blessing for Prabowo and Central Governor Ganjar Pranowo’s presidential bids.

(This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia)