Gubernatorial Candidates Vying for Jakarta's Votes
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September 21, 2024 | 03:43 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Running in the 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial election, Pramono Anung and Ridwan Kamil have both encountered surprises. Pramono—who resigned from his position as Cabinet Secretary—is being supported by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Meanwhile, Ridwan is backed by the Indonesia Onward Coalition, an alliance of parties supporting the president-elect Prabowo Subianto.
Pramono’s name was never included in the race for Jakarta Governor. Some PDI-P officials initially pushed for Anies Baswedan, but a minority within the party rejected this. “There was a desire for the PDI-P to nominate someone from within the party,” said Pramono on Sunday, September 1.
During a luncheon at the PDI-P office in Menteng, Central Jakarta, PDI-P General Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri ordered Pramono to run for Jakarta Governor. Pramono initially refused, suggesting that Megawati pick another candidate, though he was willing to finance the campaign. According to Pramono, this suggestion angered Megawati.
For Ridwan Kamil, the surprise came from his deputy-governor running mate. The Golkar Party politician had asked the PKS to join the Indonesia Onward Coalition if he ran for governor in Jakarta. The PKS initially supported Anies Baswedan. According to Ridwan, the PKS had prepared another candidate with the initial S, but it was not Suswono who is now his official running mate. “I have no say in the matchmaking,” said the former Bandung Mayor on Saturday, September 7.
Pramono Anung and Ridwan Kamil granted special interviews to Tempo at separate times and locations.
Pramono Anung:
I understand Jakarta theoretically
How did Megawati get angry when you refused to be nominated for Jakarta governor?
Mbak Mega, the PDI-P General Chair, called me and assigned me to the task of running for Jakarta governor. I discussed it with my wife, and also with President Joko Widodo. He suggested that I accept it because it was a mandate. Then I spoke with Rano Karno and we agreed to give it a try because we are both fighters. I made a video call to Mbak Mega. She cried when I said I was ready to run.
What was Megawati’s reasoning?
That I can be accepted by all groups. I can communicate with anyone. During the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, when PDI-P was in opposition, Mbak Mega often sent me to meet with SBY. And also with Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto. I was often the messenger.
You’ve always worked behind the scenes as a party secretary-general and then as Cabinet Secretary. Now you have to take center stage. Is it difficult to adapt?
The decision to work in the background or foreground is a conscious choice because I was once an activist. I take every assignment seriously. Mbak Mega shaped my experiences.
Are you running just to participate or aiming to win?
I run to win, of course. The public was surprised by my decision. But I’m aware that my chances are getting stronger. I am a fighter and I’m ready to fight.
What is your calculation?
Many party leaders who previously supported my rival have declared their support for me. They consider the regional head elections to be different from the presidential election. This support is exciting.
