Exclusive, TPN GP Chairman Arsjad Rasjid: No Matter Presidential Election Result Is, Indonesian People Is The Winner

Chairman of TPN GP, Arsjad Rasjid is well aware of the consequences of his new assignment as the presidential candidate's success team in the 2024 presidential election. (Photo: Savic Rabos, DI: Raga Granada VOI)

In every presidential and legislative election there will of course be a winning and a losing side. For the Chairman of the Ganjar Presidential National Winning Team (TPN GP) Arsjad Rasjid, losing or winning must all be faced. The culmination of political betting is in the interests of the people. Because of this, politics does not have to be carried out with tension, let alone war, but instead is carried out in a relaxed and fun way. After competing, collaboration can continue. Whatever the final results of the presidential and general elections, the real winners are the Indonesian people and nation.

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Soon the presidential election and legislative election (pileg) will be held simultaneously by the General Election Commission (KPU). To welcome voting day on February 14 2024, TPN GP will introduce and disseminate the program that Ganjar Pranowo and his partner will realize. “Compete during the election, after that collaborate, compete to collaborate. "Criticism is fine, but it's constructive, don't criticize without basis," he said.

Until now, the political parties supporting Ganjar Pranowo are PDIP, PPP, Perindo and Hanura. As chairman, Arsjad Rasjid was accompanied by Andika Perkasa, Gatot Eddy Pramono, TGB M. Zainul Majdi. Meanwhile, sitting as Deputy Chairmen are Ahmad Basarah, Usman M. Tokan, Benny Rhamdani, Angela HM Tanoesoedibjo, Ammarsjah, Andi Gani Nena Wea. And as Secretary to Hasto Kristiyanto. Meanwhile, Megawati Soekarnoputri (Ketum PDIP), Hary Tanoesoedibjo (Ketum Perindo), Muhammad Mardiono (Ketum PPP), and Oesman Sapta Odang (Ketum Hanura) are the Steering Committee. "We are still waiting for other parties to join," he said.

He said the era of harsh and hostile politics must be left behind. “Just make politics fun, don't make it too scary and tense. "In the end, the people who must be the winners of this competition (presidential and legislative elections) are the Indonesian people," stressed Arsjad Rasjid.

What happened in the previous election when Jokowi, who was paired with Ma'ruf Amin, won the presidential election five years ago should be an example. “Whoever is elected as president, work together to develop this country. This country is too big for our group to manage alone. There is no time not to be united, unity is very important. We can't have a zero sum game, winner takes all. "We have to unite despite our differences, and differences are strength," he said to Edy Suherli, Savic Rabos and Irfan Medianto from VOI who met him in the Kebayoran Baru area, South Jakarta not long ago. Here is the full excerpt.

In order to be independent and focus as Chairman of TPN Presidential Ganjar, Arsjad Rasjid took leave from his office and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry. (Photo: Savic Rabos, DI: Raga Granada VOI)

Your name was announced as Chair of TPN GP, what is the basis for this appointment?

Frankly, I don't know why I was chosen. I just look at this as a process. When it was announced, I was also surprised to be chosen and announced as Chairman of TPN Ganjar Presiden. This appointment is an honor. Before the announcement, there was a closed meeting between all the general chairs of the political parties that were members of the coalition.

Is there any advance notice before it's finally announced?

Someone told me about this. That's all in the process, but still can't be held. There's something funny when everyone is excited to make an announcement, but forget I haven't been called yet, hehehe. Before I made this decision, I discussed the consequences of this task with my family, partners and principals in the company and in the organization that I lead, such as Kadin. After I met and explained everything, I said I was ready to accept this assignment.

How long did you consider this challenge, and say yes, accept?

This is a decision that is not small for me personally. Therefore, I need time to think and consider this matter. Yes, after about a month I finally said yes. The choice I made certainly had an effect on me personally, the corporation where I work, and the organization where I have been involved. So that there is no conflict of interest, after accepting this assignment, I took leave from the company. At Kadin I was inactive for a time, and as an organization I was appointed as the daily task leader for the Chairman of Kadin while I served at TPN GP. So it is clear that my duties do not hold concurrent positions as a professional in the company where I have been or an official in the organization that I work for. So everything is clear that the companies and organizations where I work do not participate in practical politics.

Are you optimistic that Ganjar will win the 2024 presidential election contest?

Be optimistic, otherwise I don't want to take on this challenge, Chairman of TPN Ganjar President. I had a lot of discussions with Mr. Ganjar Pranowo. Listen to his ideas. And he is a fun person when chatting and exchanging ideas. People have deep thoughts and brilliant ideas. The person is easy going, humorous and a good listener. From that meeting and discussion, I became more convinced that he was the right choice. I see that he is a figure who can hear and absorb the voice of the people. He could also feel what was happening to the people. And this is very important. Talking about energy, he has extraordinary energy, going around here and there. If there was anything related to the people, he wanted to see it directly.

What else makes you confident about the figure of Ganjar Pranowo?

Mr. Ganjar is the son of a policeman who lives in the Gunung Lawu Karang Anyar area, Central Java. From there he went to school, then studied at UGM, worked then joined a political party (PDIP) and finally qualified as a member of the Indonesian DPR. After ten years as a member of the council, he continued his service as Governor in Central Java for ten years. As governor, he is used to bureaucracy and really understands his region. His track record during those two periods is clearly visible to the people of Central Java. Based on all that, I believe he is right to be the future President of Indonesia.

I imagined choosing a CEO for a company, now we are choosing a CEO for Indonesia. With Indonesia's complex situation, it requires the right person. Now the momentum is good, Indonesia has trust from the world. If there is no trust, it will be difficult, therefore it must be utilized well. We have a demographic bonus, have the potential to become a developed country. These 10 years are very critical, to be or not to be. We must move quickly, full of energy, and ensure economic acceleration occurs. And Mr. Ganjar has it all, he has high energy, is a good "listener", can feel, and is easy going. So he was right.

In your current position, what do you see as candidates who will become Ganjar Pranowo's competitors?

It's not easy for someone to emerge as a presidential candidate, they have to go through filtering. In my opinion, the three names that have emerged today are the best people in this nation. But everyone has to vote, because we face general elections and presidential elections for the next term. Everyone certainly has a preference for choosing the best CEO who will lead Indonesia in the future. Our hope is that the elected leaders in the future can take Indonesia to a better future, can protect the domestic market, ensure that MSMEs can operate, and support the economy.

For TPN GP Chairman Arsjad Rasjid, Ganjar Pranowo is like a product, he will introduce and explain the program to the public. (Photo: Savic Rabos, DI: Raga Granada VOI)

The situation leading up to and during the election is usually heated, how do you see it?

Make politics fun, don't make it too scary and tense. In the end, the people of Indonesia must be the winners of this competition (election and presidential election). Whoever is elected as president, work together to develop this country. This country is too big for our group to manage alone. There is no time not to be united, unity is very important. We cannot have zero sum games, winner takes all. We must unite despite our differences, and differences are strength.

To create unity, what must be maintained?

The recipe is good communication. That's why voting is actually not our value, what has become our value is deliberation and consensus. To achieve that there must be communication. There are certainly differences, but they must be bridged. By knowing each other, discussing, and finally choosing the best. Those are great values.

In our Constitution there is no term opposition, checks and balances are carried out by the DPR, civil society and also social media, this is key. We are a democratic country and it must be maintained, that's why there are elections. Compete during the election, after that collaborate, compete to collaborate. Criticism is fine, but constructive, don't criticize without basis.

We will move towards a golden Indonesia and become a developed country, we must focus and make sure we work together to make it happen. With the local wisdom that we have; manners, politeness. In Bhinneka Tunggal Ika there is a content of respecting and respecting differences. That's what we have to do.

How would you describe this TPN GP and what steps will it take in the near future?

I consider TPN GP like a startup, it was formed immediately. We have to build this organization, recruit people who will be involved in collecting data and making plans. Prepare logistics and conduct fundraising.

I consider Mr. Ganjar is a product. The step we will take is to introduce him to all Indonesian people. After explaining his ideas to the public. And finally chose Mr. Reward. We have limited time to carry out that goal.

Until now, Ganjar Pranowo has no vice presidential candidate, is this an obstacle for TPN GP?

For me, no. The important thing is that there is already a presidential candidate, Mr. Ganjar Pranowo. This being the main product, the vice is next. So everything will be colored by Mr. reward; what was in his heart, his thoughts, and what he would do later. The vice presidential candidate strengthens the presidential candidate's position. We TPN GP focus on winning. So work, work, and work. We are sure because Mr. Ganjar is authentic, so the product itself is good. God willing, it will happen.

Of the names being mentioned as Ganjar's vice presidential candidate, which one has the most potential?

I photographed all the names that appeared. There are Sandiaga Uno, Mahfud MD, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Erick Thohir, Ridwan Kamil, etc. We inventory everything, we prepare the data, when one is announced it is ready. Inclusivity is key because this is for our nation and state. The vice presidential candidate must be of the same heart and mind as the presidential candidate. Like someone looking for a future wife, don't be careless, hehehe.

Megawati's role in TPN GP is very dominant, how do you deal with this condition?

Mrs. Mega is a democratic and open person, she has also been President and Vice President, member of the DPR, and has been fighting since the New Order era. She never held a grudge. But she is a person with principles. Sometimes people misinterpret this principle as being inflexible. I see she doesn't dominate, she leaves it to TPN GP to do it. Giving input yes, but not controlling or ordering. It's natural for her to do that because she is a mentor to all of us. She really appreciates Mr. Jokowi for what he has done so far.

Even though you started out as a professional, now you are a successful team, are there any plans to completely dive into practical politics?

I want to focus on my duties at TPN GP first. For the next one, let's see what developments come next. We can plan but Allah will also decide later.

How do you optimize social media?

In the current era, social media is very important, especially for the younger generation, millennials and Gen Z, as well as society in general. TPN GP will optimize social media as a means to socialize our presidential and vice presidential candidates. Moreover, Mr. Ganjar is familiar with social media. There is a team that will handle that.

There are buzzers who have been supportive and there are also haters who have the opposite attitude. Will there be direction for buzzers to voice their support for Ganjar Pranowo?

Currently we are consolidating, some of the buzzers are coordinating with us, some are not. I ask those who have not yet coordinated to meet together, to have one command so that the message is correct. We will monitor them with current technological tools, including AI. As Chair of TPN GP, I call on all those who support us not to carry out black campaigns, avoid hoaxes. I also convey the same appeal to our competitors in the upcoming presidential election. Let's develop positive politics, which is just fun. Come on, let's fight for ideas. We build and mature our democracy today and in the future. Remember, this is a democracy party, not war.

If we compare the previous five years, is it cooler now?

Yes, that's a fact, it's delicious isn't it? Hopefully this condition will continue to be maintained until the day of the general election and presidential election. We will grow the beauty of democracy in this country. Outsiders and investors will also see how mature our democracy is. Pak Jokowi has given an example of how he embraced Pak Prabowo after he was declared the winner of the presidential election.

What is the strategy for attracting millennials, Gen Z and first-time voters?

If you look at the data, 30 percent of our voters are first-time voters. Then another 30 percent have participated in elections twice and 40 percent have participated three or more times. There are two things we must do. We invite young people not to be apolitical. We must provide education so that they are not lazy in expressing their political aspirations. We don't have to be politicians but we have to be concerned about political decisions. Because politics can save this country, we have to determine who the leaders will be and what policies will develop this country in the future. TPN GP will collect ideas and ideas for a better future for Indonesia.

For millennials, what programs will be offered?

Millennials and the people as a whole need jobs, we will fight for this. Then the next thing is that the prices of basic necessities must be controlled. After that, income should increase periodically. This is the aspiration captured by Mr. Rewards lately. Pak Jokowi has prepared infrastructure in his two terms of leadership, this is extraordinary. How to optimize this so that it becomes added value and creates jobs, increases income and ensures price stability. If that is realized then there will be happiness. And development must be even and continuous, not Java Centric. This is also important for investors.

It's called competition, there are winners and there are losers, are you ready for those two possibilities?

The consequence of competition is that if you don't win, you lose. That's why we are having fun facing the presidential election and this general election. Whatever the outcome of the presidential election, it is the Indonesian nation and people who must be the winners.

   

This Is How Arsjad Rasjid Enjoys Culinary Delights At Every Opportunity

Arsjad Rasjid hopes that the current conducive situation will last until the presidential election is completed. (Photo: Savic Rabos, DI: Raga Granada VOI)

Arsjad Rasjid is someone who really enjoys the culinary delights he encounters in various activities. When he goes on business trips from offices and organizations, he will take the time to hunt for culinary delights at his destination. Even when the man who is now believed to be the Chair of the National Presidential Ganjar Winning Team (TPN GP) goes on holiday with his family, he also doesn't miss out on enjoying culinary sessions.

At his current age, he has no restrictions when it comes to food. “I really like eating. The important thing is that the food is delicious, I will definitely try it. When I have a business trip, whether from a company or organization, I will not miss local food at my destination," said the man born in Jakarta, March 16, 1970.

Moreover, each region has its own culinary riches, which should not be missed. “Indonesia is rich in culinary delights. In Makassar there is coto, a Sundanese food that is rich in taste. Then Palembang food includes tempoyak which is made from fermented durian; it tastes sweet, salty, sour and spicy. Tempoyak is usually cooked with fish, it is very delicious. Try it," exclaimed the man whose blood was from Palembang (father) to Sundanese (mother).

Even though his hobby is culinary hunting, he can maintain his body weight in a normal position. It turns out there is a recipe. “Excessive anything is not good. And it must be balanced, like yin and yang. Even though your hobby is eating, don't overdo it," he said.

There is another diet that he does, breakfast of vegetable and fruit juice in the morning. Only in the afternoon and afternoon or evening, he will eat heavily. “That's what I do every day. And I'm a person who really likes rice, but for now I'm reducing the portion of rice a little. The problem is that our metabolism decreases as we get older. That's what must be maintained. And I have no restrictions on eating," said Mohammad Arsjad Rasjid Prabu Mangkuningrat, his full name.

With a diet like that, Arsjad admits that he doesn't need a doctor's direction to diet. "As far as possible, I don't take medication, I take vitamins. If I have a cold I rarely take medicine, drink lots of vitamin C and take it to sleep or rest. Later it will heal by itself," he explained.

Apart from his culinary hobby, he has another unique hobby; people watching. “I really like watching people pass by. If someone's hobby is bird watching, I'm people watching. I like sitting while drinking coffee, watching people pass by, I like admiring the humans created by Allah SWT," said Arsjad, who likes walking.

Loves Traveling

As Chairman of TPN GP Arsjad Rasjid, he hopes that whoever wins the presidential election can collaborate. (Photo: Savic Rabos, DI: Raga Granada VOI)

When it comes to traveling, Arsjad Rasjid really likes trips to historical places. “I prefer to see amazing old buildings. I am amazed by the greatness of people in the past in building buildings with historic, high culture even though they were formed hundreds of years ago," he said.

Exploring the European continent made him very happy. "Because after only flying for a short time, I met a different country, a different language, a different culture. That's very interesting for me. Because my children live in Budapest (Hungary), I also like that city," he said.

For domestic tourism, said Arsjad, there are also many unique destinations. "We have Labuan Bajo, Raja Ampat, Manado, Bandung, Bogor, Surabaya, Malang, and so on," explained the Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

On weekends, he will spend time with his family. “I definitely spend Sunday with my family. So starting from lunch then we chatted together. The point is, it's quality time," he added.

Once every year Arsjad will take two to three weeks off to go on holiday with his children and wife. “Once a year I will go on holiday with my family. It's good for building bonds with family. I told my children that when they have a family, they will be with their husband or wife and children too," he said.

 

Everyone Can Be Successful

Chairman of TPN GP Arsjad Rasjid called for whatever the results of the presidential election to be, the winner will be the Indonesian people. (Photo: Savic Rabos, DI: Raga Granada VOI)

For Arsjad Rasjid, everyone can be successful. The key, he said, is not to give up easily. “The first thing I emphasize is never give up. Don't be quick to give up before you have fought with all your might," said the General Chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) who is currently on temporary leave to become Chairman of TPN GP.

Second, Arsjad's tip for success is hard work. “If we work hard and focus on what we do, the results will not disappoint. There is a way, there are solutions to the problems we face if we work hard," said the President Director of PT Indika Energy Tbk and commissioner of a number of technology and media companies.

And the third tip from him is don't be embarrassed to ask. “I always ask, what else if we don't understand one thing. There's no need to be embarrassed to ask. We ask that it is the same as continuous learning. Don't think I'm not learning, I'm still learning, including facing this interview. From the questions I was asked, it became a learning process," said the alumnus of Pepperdine University and the University of Southern California.

In the world of leadership, Arsjad Rasjid applies leadership of ASA (Authentic, Spiritualism, and Agility). “We give hope or wish to our subordinates and ourselves. Apart from that, we also have to be resilient and think outside the box. I think that's the key if we want to be successful. The future of this nation is in the hands of the younger generation, we can only prepare. You, the young generation, will determine the future of this nation. We must realize the Golden Indonesia 2045, God willing," said the winner of Young Global Leader 2011 from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Best Executive in Indonesia 2010 from Asiamoney.

"Make politics fun, don't make it too scary and tense. Ultimately, those who must be the winners of this competition (election and presidential election) are the Indonesian people,,"

Arsjad Rasjid