The Sumatra Disaster Is Considered Ajang Zulhas, Gibran-Dedi Mulyadi Curi Start Election 2029

JAKARTA The Executive Director of Algebra Strategic, Arifki Chaniago, assessed that the presence of state officials and all of his gimmicks when providing assistance for disaster victims in Sumatra is a place to find the people's empathy stage for the preparation of the upcoming 2029 General Election (Pemilu).

"In the eyes of political communication, they want to help but also hope that their monetize on YouTube will have an impact, whether electoral impact or image impact," he said, Sunday, December 7.

He admitted that the assistance provided by state officials was very helpful for people affected by the disaster, considering that until now there are still many people who need assistance.

But judging from the political side, this also indicates that political parties and politicians want to start the 2029 election later, especially the Presidential Election (Pilpres).

He gave an example, the visit of the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, Vice President (Wapres) Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Food Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan.

"Why start seeing the election? When for example 2026 preparations for the election law, of course they also have to prepare themselves. Mas AHY also came, Dedi Mulyadi also came to Sumatra, Mas Gibran, as if people who would have the potential to fight in the presidential election in 2029 they came to Sumatra," said Rifki.

As is known, a number of state officials have been in the spotlight and have drawn criticism for being considered to have carried out political imaging in the midst of the disaster that occurred in Sumatra.

One of the most highlighted was Zulkifli Hasan, who was considered to be imaging when carrying rice in sacks during a visit to the flood and landslide disaster that occurred in West Sumatra, last November 30.

Deputy Chairperson of PAN, Viva Yoga Mauladi dismissed Zulhas' action of lifting sacks or helping clean the house from mud, not for imaging. This is because Zulhas is known as a person who is easily moved when he sees the suffering of the community.