Anies Stands Greater Chance of Advancing in Presidential Election

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) officially declared support for Anies Baswedan (center) as a presidential candidate in the 2024 Election at the DPP Office, Jakarta, Thursday (23/2/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan stands a greater chance of running in the 2024 presidential election after the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) declared its support for his candidacy. Now, PKS and the other two political parties that are supporting Anies, namely the Democratic Party and the NasDem Party, will have to determine Anies’ running mate.

The decision to nominate the former Jakarta governor as a presidential candidate was agreed upon by consensus at the PKS VIII advisory council meeting at the PKS central executive (DPP) office in Jakarta on Thursday (23/2/2023). The decision was then read out by PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu before all members of the advisory council, the central leadership council and PKS cadres who were present, both in person and online.

Anies was also present at the declaration and arrived by delman (horse-drawn buggy). He was dressed in white, with a black peci (cap)and an orange scarf (PKS’ current color) and was greeted with the Betawi doorstop tradition. Following the declaration, Syaikhu gifted Anies a peci (cap) to symbolize the party’s support for his presidential bid. PKS also displayed Anies’ photograph on the billboard of the PKS office.

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Before PKS, NasDem was the first to declare its support for Anies. This was then followed by a written statement from Democratic Party chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. The Democrats’ support was then reiterated by Agus when he received a visit from NasDem chairman Suya Paloh on Wednesday (22/2). The alliance between these three political parties, who refer to themselves as the Coalition for Change, has now met the presidential threshold.

“The PKS cannot nominate a presidential candidate alone because the presidential threshold is 20 percent [of House of Representatives seats]. Because of that, the PKS formed an alliance with NasDem and the Democratic Party,” Syaikhu said.

He further explained that the advisory council meeting had chosen Anies because he had fulfilled the PKS’ three criteria for a presidential candidate at the PKS VII consultation council in August 2022. These criteria include having a nationalist-religious character, being a symbol of change and standing a chance to win.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu (left) shakes hands with Anies Baswedan during a Declaration of support for Anies Baswedan as a presidential candidate in the 2024 Election at the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) DPP Office, Jakarta, Thursday (23/2/2023).

Anies’ running mate

Regarding Anies’ running mate, Syaikhu said the matter would be discussed with Anies alongside NasDem and the Democrats. However, according to him, the vice presidential candidate must be someone who complements Anies. This figure must also be able to increase the coalition’s chances of winning the 2024 presidential election.

Previously, NasDem and the Democrats had left the decision of choosing a running mate up to Anies.

In response to the support provided by the PKS, Anies said it was not the first time he has joined hands with the party. The PKS also supported Anies during his gubernatorial bid in Jakarta in 2017. Then, during his time in office, the PKS continuously supported him.

“This togetherness is deeply rooted and continues to grow strong, reaching new heights. Moreover, this togetherness has been fostered through difficult times,” he said.

Too early for election maneuvering

Separately, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said the incessant maneuvers of several political parties over the 2024 presidential election had not intimidated his party.

The political party that won both the 2014 and 2019 elections will continue to take its time and will announce the presidential candidate it will support in 2024 at the right moment.

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The PDI-P, the only political party that can nominate a presidential candidate without forming an alliance, is currently prioritizing work for the people amid the unresolved impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and various consequences of global geopolitics. Apart from that, several public issues, such as the economy and education, also need special attention.

“The drum for the presidential election is beating too early. We still have fundamental problems to work through, such as the quality of education and poverty,” said Hasto.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.