Ganjar Pranowo Unstoppable, Named Most Popular Governor 2021 Competes With Anies Baswedan

Central Java Governor Ganjar and President Joko Widodo (Instagram)

JAKARTA - Ganjar Pranowo is included in the list of the longest or most popular governors throughout 2021 based on media coverage as measured by the Indonesia Indicator (I2).

Based on real time analysis data using the Intelligence Media Analytics (IMA) system based on artificial intelligence, there were 85,158 news stories containing rewards.

Director of Communications for Indonesia Indicator (I2) Rustika Herlambang said Ganjar was under the spotlight when handling COVID-19 in several areas, especially when there was an explosion of COVID-19 in Kudus until it finally ended.

"The flood policy in Semarang last February also attracted attention when Ganjar asked for the Babon River to be normalized," said Rustika in Jakarta, Antara, Friday, December 31.

In addition, the media also highlighted Ganjar when he was proud of Indonesia's appointment as the G20 Presidency, his presence in Papua to encourage Central Java athletes during the PON, the issue of conflict with the PDI-P, as well as being busy about Ganjar's volunteer declaration for the 2024 presidential election.

Besides Ganjar, in the first position the most popular governor was Anies Baswedan. Anies Baswedan appeared in 127,677 news stories and figures whose statements were quoted the most by the media.

There are several policies that are highlighted by the public from Anies. First, according to Rustika, Anies' policy related to the labor demonstration calls for an increase in DKI Jakarta's UMP.

"Other issues that received media attention were the flood disaster in Jakarta in February, the policy when there was a spike in COVID-19 cases in DKI Jakarta in June, and a summons by the KPK related to land acquisition in Munjul in September," said Rustika.

In third position is West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil (RK). According to Rustika, Kang Emil was highlighted by the media about the labor demonstrations protesting the increase in the UMP. In addition, RK was involved in the pros and cons of establishing Kertajati Airport as an aircraft repair shop.

It was also observed that RK was widely reported about the implementation of PPKM in West Java, especially during the spike in COVID-19 cases last June, as well as the issue of his candidacy for the 2024 presidential candidate.

"Kang Emil was also under the media's spotlight for criticizing rice imports," said Rustika.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa ranks fourth with 51,830 news stories. Khofifah, said Rustika, was highlighted by the media, especially when she was mourning the sinking of KRI Nanggala 402 and handling the eruption of Mount Semeru.

"What's interesting is that the four Greatest Governors, Anies Baswedan, Ridwan Kamil, Ganjar Pranowo, and Khofifah, are often reported as parties who have the potential to advance in the 2024 presidential election, based on various electability survey releases circulating," said Rustika.

The fifth place was occupied by the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria. The Gerindra Party politician appeared in 39,648 news stories.

North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi ranked sixth to tenth respectively with 28,273, South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru with 24,866 news, Riau Governor Syamsuar 23,442 news, South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman 21,863 news, and Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad 18,562 news.

According to Rustika, the top five positions for the Most Influential Governor in 2021 are still occupied by the same figure as the Most Influential Governor.

Anies Baswedan is in first place with 252,148 statements. Ganjar Pranowo trailed behind with 234,991 statements. Ridwan Kamil who is in third position, the number of statements published by online media for a year reached 181,248. Meanwhile, the total of Khofifah's statements that were exposed to the media reached 140,294.

DKI Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria is in fifth position with 136,302 statements. The sixth to tenth ranks were respectively occupied by Herman Deru with 77,622 statements, Edy Rahmayadi with 69,914 statements, Andi Sudirman Sulaiman with 61,030 statements, Ansar Ahmad with 58,678 statements, and Syamsuar with 54,078 statements.