Last year, not many in Central Java knew who Ganjar Pranowo was. The popularity of this House of Representatives (DPR) member from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) was no higher than seven percent, far below that of Central Java governor Bibit Waluyo and his deputy, Rustriningsih. That is why when his fellow members asked him to run in the gubernatorial elections, his first reaction was, "Oh, no!"
But Ganjar and his team were able to narrow the gap, and together with his running mate Heru Sudjatmiko, he was able to win in the election, which took place two weeks ago. Less than a week after his victory, Tempo met him for an interview on how he beat the odds to become governor of Indonesia's most populous province. Excerpts:
What did you do to win the election?
After I filled the application forms, I asked my associates to discuss a strategy. I asked who wanted to be the manager of the campaign team, and Cornelius Lay (who is close to former president Megawati Soekarnoputri) asked that I choose the right person. I chose a certain person, but he was not approved because of his hard character. I selected another, but he also failed to pass the approval test because he was not seen to be close to the media. After a lot of discussion, we concluded that Central Java must be commanded, not treated like a democracy. Eventually, we chose Puan Maharani. The Central Leadership Board approved.
Puan led the campaign?
I was quite surprised at Mbak Puan. It was quite unexpected. She immediately asked how many regents and mayors were PDI-P members. There are 17 in Central Java, to which she said, that was where they had to win. As to the approach, she said we had to consolidate and make the former karesidenan (administrative units higher than regencies before there were provinces) as the bases. There are six in Central Java, and we gave their leaders the title of deputy force commander. She was to be the commander. We chose people among the DPR legislators and central executive members. Seventeen regents and mayors worked under the force commander. They actively took part in the weekly meetings.
What did you have to do?
I had to visit the communities. We have a team to canvass communities in 35 towns and regencies. I visited all those targets. I even met the local kiai (religious leaders).
And did you gain in popularity by doing this?
Slowly, polls showed my ratings rise. And when it was time to campaign, I rose sharply in the polls. In contrast, my rivals' ratings were up at the start but went down during the campaign. We were unsure whether that was because of my popularity. In fact, it was the doing of the cadres and volunteers going out there before us. Interestingly, the volunteers I had gathered to work on Jokowi's campaign in Jakarta all came back to help out in Central Java. They built local command posts, canvassed the areas and coordinated their activities.
Is it true that you were pessimistic about defeating the incumbent at the beginning?
No. In fact, a week before election day, we could smell victory. The candidates' debate on television jacked up my popularity. I heard predictions from the opposition four days before the election that I would win by three percent. I just smiled at that, because our own surveys showed us leading by more than that.
Was the fact that the two other candidates did not do well a factor in your win?
I don't know, but I felt that people in Central Java wanted a change. A week before the election, I was sure I would win because many people had decided to support me. I admit there were some bad feelings and communication problems in the incumbent's camp early on, and I took advantage of that weakness. I spoke directly to everyone I met and asked whether they were happy. That become my political selling point. But I also felt that Central Java was like a fortress and that's not a myth, beause in three areas, we were wiped out. Maybe it was the timing, a time when other parties experienced problems. If I'm not wrong, our surveys showed us head to head with Golkar rising sharply in Central Java.
How are relations between you and Rustriningsih?
After the election, I went to Mas Hadi Prabowo, then Pak Bibit, who asked Bu Rustriningsih to come along. I asked her, "Are you well?" She replied, "Praise God, yes, I am." And that was the extent of my communication with her. I actuallysent her many text messages. I have not erased any of them. I was making requests to meet with her. She never responded to any of them. Then I sent senior emissaries to meet her, again no reply. Worse, I read in the papers that she had told reporters, "I am not acquainted with Ganjar." Up to now, we've never had a direct meeting.
Were you ever called in by Megawati?
Yes, six times. I was only asked, "Do you want to proceed?" I replied, "Yes, Ibu, if that's your order, I will do the best I can." She then said, "But don't be too sure yet, I want you to wait until I sign it." She kept asking about my preparedness, once asking whether I could take it if I was not selected, after all. I answered dutifully, "Ready on all accounts." She finally said, "Well, that makes it easier then." We spoke in Javanese all the time.
What is the difference between a PDI-P victory in Jakarta and in Central Java?
In Jakarta, Jokowi's branding is dominant. He is the engine taking in all the people, In Jakarta, the PDI-P is number four. In Central Java, party solidarity is very high.
Did Jokowi help you to win?
For sure Jokowi contributed. He is missed here. Mbak Mega consolidated the party superbly. Then Mbak Puan led the campaign with her cool head.
What will be the first thing you do after you are sworn in?
In June-July, I will work on organizing a blueprint of activities. I begin meetings next week with the economic and political teams. For now, let them rest a bit, see their wives and kids. A number of my academic friends are ready to help out. So this June, I have asked them to come up with the concept. Then in July I want it distributed to the sectors and sub-sectors so that we can use it to come up with the 2014 political budget. I want to immediately go around the province to identify issues.
The complete interview is available in Tempo English.
