The Meaning Of Anies' Presence In East Java: Part Of The Political Safari Towards 2024

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan's visit to East Java on Friday, November 12 is considered as one of the political safaris towards the 2024 Presidential Election. This is because Anies' visit is not part of the DKI Provincial Government's work program.

One of Anies' agenda in East Java is to hold a meeting with the Chairman of the East Java Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU) Regional Management Marzuki Mustamar in Malang City.

"Why did Anies go to East Java? I think this is part of the political safari. Anies confirms the public's perception of people who are considered to have the potential to advance in 2024," said Executive Director of Indonesian Political Parameters Adi Prayitno when contacted, Monday, November 15.

Adi saw that Anies wanted to introduce himself more broadly to the people of East Java. It is evident from the pilgrimage to the tomb of Sheikh Maulana Malik Ibrahim or Sunan Gresik in Gresik, to visiting the Sabilurrosyad Islamic Boarding School in Malang.

"So far, Anies is only known in a few areas, Jakarta, West Java, and Banten. But in other areas, many people don't know Anies," said Adi.

"Therefore, in my opinion, Anies' trip to East Java is part of Anies' work, a political safari. It's a kind of roadshow, to create a political network," he continued.

Adi said Anies as a politician must have calculated the actions he took in cross-regional activities, based on the pros and cons.

This was also seen in the seminar in Surabaya, one of the other series of activities he carried out apart from meeting with Marzuki Mustamar.

According to Adi, Anies could play his role as a speaker via a virtual video conference from Jakarta. However, Anies chose to come directly to Surabaya.

"It's impossible to come to Surabaya in the midst of a pandemic just to attend a seminar, just a normal gathering. Surely he has correctly calculated the advantages and disadvantages of coming to Surabaya," he explained.

Previously, Anies revealed the reason why he visited Sunan Gresik's grave and visited a boarding school, besides attending seminars in East Java.

During the visit, Anies met with the Ponpes Leader who is also the East Java PWNU Marzuki Mustamar. Anies said that the visit to the Islamic boarding school and Marzuki's residence was in the context of friendship. Remembering on the same day, he also attended the seminar agenda which was held in Surabaya.

"I have a seminar in Surabaya. When Mr. Kiai went to Jakarta, we both made an appointment, if one day I would stop by. So today the intention of the friendship was fulfilled," said Anies on Friday, November 12.

However, when asked if the visit had anything to do with plans to participate in the 2024 presidential election, Anies replied that at this time he was still focused on managing DKI Jakarta.

"I'm taking care of Jakarta, now taking care of Jakarta. (2024) what's really going on? We just stay in touch. Pray that everything goes smoothly, until Surabaya continues to be healthy," said Anies.