Dynamics of News about Tensions in Jokowi-Megawati Relations and the 2024 Presidential Election

Megawati Soekarnoputri between Jokowi and Ganjar Pranowo. (Doc. PDIP)

The announcement of Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Prabowo Subianto as presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2024 presidential election has raised a big question mark regarding the relationship between President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and the General Chair of the PDIP, Megawati Soekarnoputri. Even though it initially seemed harmonious, the relationship between the two is now reportedly broken.

Signs of tension emerged when Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Prabowo Subianto were announced as presidential and vice presidential candidates. In his speech, Gibran firmly stated that Jokowi gave his full blessing and support to their candidacy. This has led to speculation about the misaligned relationship between Jokowi and PDIP, the party that brought him to the presidency.

The statement by Adian Napitupulu from PDIP, who revealed that Jokowi had asked Megawati for an extension of his term of office, further clarified the situation. A statement from Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of PDIP, further confirms allegations of disharmony in the relationship between the two.

However, the main focus that sparked opposition was the plan to extend the president's term of office. PDIP emphasized its rejection of this idea, considering it contrary to the spirit of democracy. PDIP's rejection became even more firm when the MPR rejected efforts to extend the presidential term of office by decree, remembering that Indonesia is a country of law, not a country of power.

News about the rift in relations between Jokowi and Megawati Soekarnoputri also became the focus of foreign media. They highlight the potential impact of this feud on Indonesian politics and stability, making this issue not just a national problem, but a global concern.

The chairman of the Democratic Party's Bappilu, Andi Arief, said the feud between Jokowi and Megawati was one of the reasons for the emergence of Ganjar Pranowo's name as a presidential candidate supported by PDIP. Ganjar, Governor of Central Java, is considered an alternative for PDIP to secure support without relying on Jokowi.

Even though PDIP believes that Jokowi refuses to extend his term of office, this issue continues to heat up ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Some say that this conflict is not solely due to political ambition, but also due to differences in political views and interests. Jokowi, who has served two terms, may have a different political vision to PDIP, creating interesting political dynamics and raising questions about the future direction of Indonesian politics.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, former Minister of Law and Human Rights, confirmed that extending the presidential term was a topic of discussion between Jokowi and PDIP. PDIP, as the party that has supported Jokowi, still confirms that their stance is against extending his term of office.

The conflict between Jokowi and Megawati Soekarnoputri reflects the complexity of Indonesian politics, presenting differences in political views and interests as the main challenge. Facing the 2024 presidential election, the increasingly interesting but intriguing political dynamics in Indonesia will be the main focus, paying attention to the political shifts that are taking place.

However, Megawati Soekarnoputri's firm stance in refusing to extend her term of office deserves to be appreciated. The Constitution must be respected, without abuse for the sake of power. Everyone has their time and period.

Actually, this issue is not new. It was fired by one of the ministers in the cabinet. Also sparked controversy. PDIP was also the strongest in rejecting it. And, on several occasions, when this issue arose and was later rejected, Jokowi also denied it several times. If it then pops up again, of course there is a purpose. So, what's the goal? It seems difficult to deny that this has something to do with the 2024 presidential election.