JAKARTA - General Andika Perkasa has been approved by the Indonesian House of Representatives as Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces to replace Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto. Andika is just waiting for the time to be officially inaugurated by President Joko Widodo.
Later his name emerged as the new name of a potential presidential candidate by several circles. Moreover, Andika will end her tenure in December 2022 at the age of 58 years. Andika's term of office can be extended until 2024.
The Secretary-General of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP) Said Salahudin assessed that the position of TNI Commander opened up opportunities for General Andika Perkasa to enliven the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres) market.
"Although I believe Mr. Andika will hold fast to the Sapta Marga and will never want to use his position for the sake of the presidential election, but if the people want him, what will they say? That is the right of the people that should not be restricted," Said said in his statement, Sunday, November 7th.
According to him, the DPR's approval of the nomination of General Andika Perkasa as TNI Commander is likely to influence the map of the 2024 presidential election. Although his name has not yet appeared in the survey results, Said predicts that in one year the situation will be different. He believes that General Andika's name could appear in the survey results as a potential presidential candidate.
"People have a simple way of thinking. They will look for someone who according to subjective reasoning has certain skills. Some people like figures with military backgrounds because there is no doubt about the spirit of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Some are happy with a dashing and smiling, with physical appearance, and so on," Said explained.
So, what are the chances of Andika Perkasa to taste the 2024 presidential election contestation?
Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, said that General Andika Perkasa's opportunity to 'run for president' in the 2024 presidential election does exist.
"His current position as Commander of the TNI certainly provides greater opportunities in that direction," Jamiluddin told VOI, Tuesday, November 9.
However, according to Jamiluddin, there are two things that Andika must fulfill if political parties want to be noticed in the upcoming presidential election contestation.
First, Andika must stand out during his time as TNI Commander. Moreover, its performance in addition to increasing the professionalism of its troops, can also bring the TNI closer to the people. The TNI is us, the motto, Jamiluddin said, must be implemented with the TNI in favor of the people.
"If Andika does that, the people's love for him will deepen. This can boost his popularity and electability, as capital for political parties to become candidates for president," he explained.
Second, if General Andika is able to create soldiers who are humanist but firm in their actions, so that the people feel more comfortable. The people, he said, also felt protected by the presence of the army.
"TNI like that by itself can unite the army with the people. The barriers of suspicion against the army can be minimized," said Jamiluddin.
Jamiluddin considered that these two things can convince the people that Andika is suitable as a leader in a democratic country. The people believe that democracy will grow even though it will be led by former soldiers.
"If the people are convinced, Andika's electability will skyrocket. This will be the capital for Andika to be ogled by political parties to carry her as a presidential candidate," he said.
"The problem is, can Andika do these two things while being the Commander of the TNI? Of course time will tell," said Jamiluddin Ritonga.
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Similarly, a political observer from Al Azhar University Indonesia, Andriadi Achmad, assessed that General Andika Perkasa's chances of becoming President of the Republic of Indonesia were very large.
According to him, after retiring from the position of TNI Commander in December 2022, Andika Perkasa still has time to prepare for the 2024 presidential election ticket. Moreover, there is news that his term of office can be extended to 2 years.
"The election of Andika Perkasa as TNI Commander is a smooth way to build the best track and achievements in welcoming the 2024 presidential election," Andriadi told VOI, Tuesday, November 9.
The Executive Director of the Nusantara Institute PolCom SRC explained a number of reasons why Andika Perkasa could be predicted to become the President of the Republic of Indonesia. In addition to achievements, the Head of the Army Unit (KSAD) has a capable appearance with a stocky body which is certainly loved by the community.
As the son-in-law of General AM. Hendropriyono, continued Andriadi, the figure of Andika Perkasa also reminds the public of the figure of Prabowo Subianto when he was young, where he was the son-in-law of the great General President Suharto. Also like Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) as the son-in-law of General Sarwo Edhie Wibowo.
"So in terms of demeanor and body posture and having a face that is liked by women. It is possible that in 2024 Andika Perkasa will follow in the footsteps of SBY as President of the Republic of Indonesia and be very wide open," explained Andriadi.
Therefore, Andriadi reminded, while serving as commander of the TNI, General Andika Perkasa must make the best achievements. No less important is how Andika Perkasa can attract the Indonesian people to sympathize and admire him.
"In addition, highlighting the family tree that Andika Perkasa is of Blitar descent from East Java. In the sense that Andika Perkasa is Javanese is also quite important. Because it has become a standard in Indonesian society that the President of the Republic of Indonesia must be of Javanese descent," he explained.
Later, he added, it's just a matter of how Andika Perkasa is able to be glimpsed by political parties who want to carry him as a presidential candidate or maybe build their own vehicle.
"Furthermore, political vehicles need to be prepared. Either establish their own political party or join an existing political party after retiring from the TNI in December 2022," said Andriadi.
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