Paramadina University Rector Speculates Anies and Ahok Alliance for Jakarta Election

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Paramadina University Rector and founder of INDEF, Professor Didik J. Rachbini, stated that Anies Baswedan and Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, are highly likely to form a partnership in the 2024 Jakarta Regional Head Election or Pilkada.

He explained that Anies' political image is not the same as it was during the 2019 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election. In the 2024 presidential election, Anies presented himself with a usual nationalist-religious image. Meanwhile, Ahok has long been seen as a nationalist figure.

"The political idea of uniting Anies and Ahok in Jakarta is a good and bold experiment to cleanse political image towards radical religious or secular polarization," Didik said in an official statement received on Friday, May 10, 2024.

According to Didik, Anies is indeed religious. However, Anies' religiosity is not as hardline as perceived during the 2019 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election.

Meanwhile, Ahok is known to be temperamental, sometimes taboo in politics. However, in reality, Ahok is a nationalist based on his political career history.

Didik mentioned that there was indeed a radical political struggle between Anies and Ahok in the 2019 Regional Election. Many feared that Anies' victory would strengthen intolerance in Jakarta. However, that image disappeared over the years as Anies appeared in the presidential election with the support of nationalist parties.

"The campaign team from both sides also came from nationalist circles, with diverse religious backgrounds," Didik said.

According to him, there is no longer a struggle between radical religious and secular images, anti-NKRI sentiment, and racism in the 2024 presidential election. Politics and democracy indicate progress, at least from the perspective of image perception. "Except for ethical issues and Jokowi's nepotism," Didik added.

Didik believes that Anies and Ahok would positively consider this idea. Moreover, Anies entering Jakarta has a very high chance of winning, if not almost 100 percent. Anies has achievements in Jakarta, despite facing numerous criticisms.

According to Didik, if Anies does not enter politics in the next 5 years, his name could fade away. Because Anies is not a party leader like Prabowo Subianto or Jusuf Kalla in his time.

"Entering politics in Jakarta is a good opportunity for Anies' career and for the nation," he said.

HENDRIK YAPUTRA

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