Fadli Zon: We want Prabowo to be Presidential Candidate

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) Fadli Zon, said that Gerindra still wishes the party's chairman Prabowo Subianto to become a presidential candidate for the 2024 General Election.

Fadli made his statement after President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo mentioned that Prabowo may be appointed as vice president candidate pairing with Ganjar Pranowo.

Fadli explained that Prabowo has a very high probability to become a presidential candidate and to gather massive support from the public.

In addition, Fadli stated that Indonesia is currently in need of a figure like Prabowo to lead. He mentioned Prabowo is the 'middle ground' compared to other presidential candidate running for the 2024 General Election.

"Gerindra is firm, to decide Pak Prabowo as  presidential candidate. And we see that Pak Prabowo's chances are very high," Fadli said on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

Fadli added that political moves related to the Presidential Election had only begun and there are still many possibilities for changes in the combination of candidate pairs.

Therefore, Fadli said that Gerindra is yet to make its decision final. "So, from my point of view, everything is still very dynamic. But from Gerindra's point of view, we certainly support Pak Prabowo as a presidential candidate," he added.

Las Friday, April 21, 2023, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) announced Ganjar Pranowo as its presidential candidate. PDIP Chairwoman Megawati said that she had discussed with many parties, including President Joko Widodo, before appointing Ganjar.

Concerning potential vice presidential candidate to pair with Ganjar, Jokowi said that there are several figures that have the potential, such as Sandiaga Uno; Minister of State Owned Enterprise Erick Thohir; Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Human Rights Affairs Mahfud MD; Minister of Economy Airlangga Hartarto; West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil; and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Muhaimin Iskandar, also known as Cak Imin.

"There are many suitable candidates. There's Pak Erick, Pak Sandiaga Uno, Pak Mahfud MD, Pak Ridwan Kamil, Cak Imin, and Pak Airlangga," Jokowi said on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

When asked about Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Jokowi also agree. "Yes, I will also meet with Pak Prabowo," Jokowi said.

Prabowo's response

In relation to the chances of being named as vice presidential candidate to be paired with Ganjar Pranowo, Prabowo said he had the support of his party to become a presidential candidate. Prabowo explained that the Gerindra Party is strong enough to support him as a presidential candidate.

"My party nominated me as a presidential candidate, and my party is rather strong right now," Prabowo said after meeting with Jokowi in Solo on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Regarding the possibilities of his nomination as a vice presidential candidate, Prabowo was reluctant to provide any comment. He said that he will continue to observe any further development.

On the other hand, concerning the chances of Gerindra and PDIP joining a coalition for the upcoming election, Prabowo stated that PDIP had nominated Ganjar. However, he did not deny the possibility of a coalition if certain dynamics occur.

IMA DINI SHAFIRA

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