JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has announced Ganjar Pranowo, the Governor of Central Java, as its presidential candidate for the 2024 election, according to international media reports.
This decision has been seen as ending political uncertainty in Indonesia. Reuters reported the breaking news after Megawati Soekarnoputri, the PDIP chairperson, officially announced Pranowo's candidacy on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Batu Tulis, Bogor.
This announcement comes a day before the Idul Fitri celebration and puts an end to speculation that current President Joko Widodo would seek to continue in power or attempt to stay for three terms.
Pranowo will compete against Prabowo Subianto, 71, who is currently serving as the Minister of Defence, and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, 53, who was previously declared a presidential candidate by a political party supporting him in the 2024 election.
The three-way presidential election sets the stage for a new chapter in Indonesia's democracy, which is the largest in Southeast Asia. The presidential election will be held simultaneously with the legislative election on February 14, 2024.
According to Reuters, Pranowo, 54, must work to restore his reputation in the eyes of Indonesian voters after he expressed support for rejecting Indonesia's bid to host the 2023 FIFA Youth World Cup in Central Java. This cost Indonesia trillions of rupiah due to opposition to Israel's participation in the tournament.
Malaymail, a Malaysian media outlet, reported that Pranowo's appointment ended months of political uncertainty after several high-ranking government officials suggested that the highly popular incumbent, Joko Widodo, should extend his term. Indonesia's Constitution, the 1945 Constitution, mandates that the President can only serve two terms.
President Jokowi, who was present when PDIP Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri announced Ganjar Pranowo as the presidential candidate, praised him as a leader who is close to the people.
"Pak Ganjar is a leader who is close to the people, always down to earth, and very ideological," Jokowi said at the Batutulis Palace in Bogor today. Jokowi said he respected Megawati's decision, adding that national leadership must continue.
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