Ganjar Officially Becomes A Presidential Candidate, A Church Leader From Indonesia; Finally We Are Relieved

The Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo when receiving the public at the Idulfitri 2023 open house event. (photo: special)

The appointment of Ganjar Pranowo as a presidential candidate from PDIP made dozens of church leaders throughout Indonesia relieved. They conveyed this when they attended an open house in Tawangmangu, Karanganyar, Monday, April 24.

These figures from the eastern tip to the western tip of Indonesia to stay in touch with the number one person in Central Java. Around 30 church leaders came to the place. Some came from Medan, Riau Islands, Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, North Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Maluku, NTT to Papua.

"We came from various parts of Indonesia, some from Eastern Indonesia, some from western Indonesia, some from Central Indonesia. We from church leaders, church leaders wish you a happy Eid al-Fitr to your family," said Pastor Japarlin Marbun, one of the church leaders from Jakarta to Ganjar.

In addition, they also congratulated Ganjar on being declared a presidential candidate by PDIP. For them, the declaration is a cure for the long wait of the Indonesian people.

"Finally we are relieved. It feels long because you have officially become a presidential candidate. Because we hope that it will be in all of you," he explained.

When they met Ganjar, the cheerful faces appeared from the church leaders. They shook hands with Ganjar while saying happy Eid al-Fitr.

Ganjar and the church leaders then discussed it for a long time. They discuss the matter of the state, nation, tolerance and religion.

"We have known him for a long time, he is a nationalist. His commitment to nationality is extraordinary. He is an anti-perturbative figure, and is not only shown in words but really a real action," said Pastor Japarlin.

According to Japarlin, Ganjar is a leader who is expected by the people of Indonesia. At Ganjar's hands, he believes that Indonesia will progress and people's tolerance will be realized.

"So that we are all safe in the midst of this beloved nation. All the nation's children can live in peace," he said.

The same thing was conveyed by a church leader from Manado, Pastor Franky Londa. Francky said Ganjar was a leader who consistently realized tolerance, religious moderation and fought against intolerance from extremist groups in Indonesia.

This kind of leader is what he is highly expected to do. He hopes that Indonesia will be better because the nation's citizens can join hands with each other without any friction.

"So this is something that is very encouraging for us in terms of life across faith, society and religion. We really want a tolerant, harmonious, and peaceful life," he said.

Pastor Hanny Andries added that apart from being committed to tolerance and fighting intolerant actions, Ganjar is also very suitable as President Jokowi's successor.

"The idea is that the vision and mission are all right. So we hope that development in Indonesia will be sustainable. We are sure that in Pak Ganjar Indonesia's hands it will be better," he concluded.

The Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo held open houses in three different places. The first Open house was held by Ganjar at his wife's residence in Purbalingga, then continued at the residence of Ganjar's family in Kutoarjo, Purworejo.

Today, Ganjar held an open house at his birth home in Tawangmangu, Karanganyar. More than 6,000 guests from all over Indonesia attended the event.