JAKARTA - Wearing a light blue shirt, Governor Anies sits on a chair in a wooden pavilion while telling about the conditions of the people in the Thousand Islands. Anies monologues in a video uploaded by Anies Baswedan's YouTube account.

Starting the conversation, Anies revealed that there had been inequality between countries through the mention of the first world, second world, and third world. Four decades on, inequality has narrowed to a smaller context: inequality within a country.

Inequality occurs between regions, which can be seen in a city. He gave an example of conditions in DKI Jakarta. While developments in the five administrative cities continued to advance, one area was left behind. The area is the Thousand Islands.

"Within the city of Jakarta itself, which is referred to as DKI Jakarta Province, there are 5 cities and 1 district. Now, the inequality between cities and regencies is getting wider. The city is experiencing development, but the districts are stagnant," said Anies in a Youtube show that entitled Make Far So Close #DariPendopo.

From this problem, Anies explained a number of programs to improve the welfare of the people of the Thousand Islands. Starting from meeting the needs of clean water, electricity, to facilities for providing basic needs.

Continuing, Anies also gave a message to all residents in Indonesia that inequality in Jakarta can be overcome. Likewise with other regions in Indonesia.

"If we talk about the Thousand Islands, it's not just dealing with Jakarta. It brings an optimistic message, a positive message for all of Indonesia," said Anies.

Semiotics of Diponegoro's Paintings
Anies interview excerpt (Source: YouTube)

What attracted attention in Anies' YouTube show was the painting of Prince Diponegoro which was displayed on the wall of the pavilion. Every time the camera shoots from Anies' left side, the painting stands out on the brown wall of the pavilion.

The hero whose full name is Prince Harya Dipanegara is known as a leader who has a high love for the country. Prince Diponegoro, who lived during the colonial era, also had the character of being honest, brave, and willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the community.

There is a concept of semiotics that can be captured through Diponegoro's paintings that are installed on the walls of Anies' pavilion. As a visual language, the embedding of Diponegoro's paintings into the image composition can be interpreted as political communication. Anies wants to build his image as a representation of Diponegoro in the public eye.

"Through YouTube, Anies Baswedan tries to build his image as a Javanese king by taking the background of the pavilion and the painting of Prince Diponegoro," said political observer from LIPI, Wasisto Raharjo Jati to VOI, Tuesday, December 14.

It is still clear in memory how the political conditions in the 2017 gubernatorial election in Jakarta were. Anies' attachment to the (former) Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) dragged the 'conservative label' to his forehead.

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (Photo: @aniesbaswedan)

Towards the 2024 presidential election, Anies is considered to want to remove the stamp. This is important in order to attract the sympathy of the people who are antipathetic to the previous support groups.

"Therefore, Anies is trying to restore himself as a candidate for an inclusive and protective leader by always emphasizing equality and opportunity. This is used to change public perceptions that have already labeled Anies close to conservative groups," explained Wasis.

Then, there is the discussion about reducing inequality in the Thousand Islands with five cities in DKI Jakarta. The narrative was appointed as Anies' effort to polish himself as a future leader of Indonesia.

The narrative of the success of the development of the Thousand Islands is likened to a miniature of Indonesia. Thankfully, Wasis said, Anies' image can be improved so that political parties will increasingly look to attract him as a presidential candidate in the 2024 political contestation.

"For now, it's more about improving self-image first. Because for example, a positive image that is getting better, has the potential to increase popularity as well as electability. From there, political parties will be attracted to Anies," said Wasis.

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