PAN Supports Ganjar-Erick In 2024, PPP Weighs Internally, If KIB Waits For An Official Decree

Deputy Chairman of the Legislation Body of the House of Representatives, Achmad Baidowi. (Mery H-VOI)

PPP responded to the statement by PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) who openly supported Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and SOE Minister Erick Thohir as pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates (candidates-cawapres) 2024.

This support was conveyed by Zulhas at the opening of the PAN National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) in Semarang, Central Java, Sunday, February 26.

As a partner in the United Indonesia Coalition (KIB), PPP views Zulhas' support for the Ganjar-Erick pair as a natural thing. This is because political parties that are members of KIB have not yet determined the names of presidential and vice presidential candidates who will be carried in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

"As an aspiration conveyed by PAN, it is legal. Perhaps there is a possibility of similarity to other coalitions," said PPP chairman Achmad Baidowi, Monday, February 27. The man who is familiarly called Awiek also revealed that the two names also often appear within PPP. PPP, he said, also considered the names of Ganjar and Erick to be decided later according to the party mechanism. "Especially for the name of Mr. Erick Thohir, PPP is also on several occasions to present Mr. Erick Thohir to greet PPP cadres. There is a kind of emotional closeness," said Awiek. "(If) Mr. Ganjar is also mentioned within PPP and in several DPWs, we will combine it later. Of course, there are other figures, we will also combine and decide according to the internal mechanism," he added.

Nevertheless, Awiek emphasized that the final decision regarding the 2024 presidential and vice presidential candidates would be jointly determined by political parties in the United Indonesia Coalition (KIB). Later, PPP, PAN and Golkar will formally decide who will be promoted according to the mechanism within the coalition. "But of course, later the official decision will be waiting for our internal mechanism," said Awiek. Previously, PAN chairman Zulkifli Hasan endorsed Ganjar Pranowo in front of President Jokowi in the National Coordination Meeting for the PAN Election Winning in Semarang.

Initially, Zulhas gave his opening remarks greeting Jokowi at the event. Zulhas then greeted Erick Thohir, who he considered a PAN cadre.

After that, Zulhas also greeted Ganjar who was also present. In his nickname, Zulhas said Ganjar had criteria for leaders who thought about the people as stated by Jokowi some time ago.

The Governor of Central Java, Mas Ganjar Pranowo. Seen, sir, his hair is getting whiter, sir. Kening is starting to dredge up, sir," Zulhas told Jokowi at the Padma Hotel, Semarang City, Central Java, Sunday, February 26.

Zulhas continued, the white hair and wrinkles on Ganjar's forehead are natural physical conditions, aka not made up. Zulhas reiterated that these physical characteristics are in accordance with what Jokowi said about the criteria for leaders who think about the people.

"It's not made up, sir, nature. As the signs from the President," said Zulhas.

Jokowi and Ganjar only smiled slightly when Zulhas conveyed this. Zulhas then continued his remarks regarding the identity of PAN which respects diversity and humanity.

At the end of his speech, Zulhas again hinted at his support for Ganjar in a rhyme. This time, the Minister of Trade also mentioned the name of Erick Thohir.

"Go to Simpang Lima, don't forget to buy spring rolls. If Mr. Ganjar and Mr. Erick are together, God willing, Indonesia will be even more victorious," said Zulhas.