Observer: Jokowi Will Not Dare To Play With Megawati For Endorse Ganjar To Become A Presidential Candidate

President Joko Widodo (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo is considered not to have the courage to precede PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri to endorse the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo as a presidential candidate (candidate) or vice presidential candidate (cawapres) 2024. Jokowi's speculation supports Ganjar in pairs with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto appeared after the three appeared familiar while reviewing the big harvest at Kebumen, Central Java. Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga said that Jokowi, Ganjar and Prabowo togetherness in Kebumen certainly caused many interpretations. First, Jokowi, who involved Prabowo in the harvest moment, was not uncommon. Because, judging from his duties and functions as Minister of Defense, Prabowo's presence certainly has no relevance.

"Therefore, it is natural for Jokowi's interpretation to endorse Prabowo as a presidential candidate to appear. Jokowi wants to say that Prabowo is the right person to be his successor. Prabowo is not only an expert in managing defense but also understands agriculture," Jamiluddin said in his statement, Friday, March 10.

The interpretation, he continued, was getting stronger because Jokowi was also accompanied by Ganjar. It seems that Jokowi wants to emphasize that Ganjar is worthy of accompanying Prabowo.

"So, Jokowi's meeting with Prabowo and Ganjar in the fields, could be an effort to check the waves. Jokowi wants to know the reactions of the community, including the PDIP, if he is accompanied by Prabowo and Ganjar," he said.

Second, the presence of Ganjar accompanying Jokowi can be interpreted as normal. The reason is, Ganjar as governor should accompany the president when visiting his area.

"So, Ganjar's presence as part of the protocol. There is nothing extraordinary, especially when it comes to the presidential or vice presidential candidates," explained Jamiluddin.

According to him, the interpretation is logical when Jokowi is associated with PDIP cadres. Jokowi certainly does not want a confrontation with his chairman just to endorse Ganjar as a presidential or vice presidential candidate.

This, said Jamiluddin, is very risky for Jokowi if it exceeds Megawati in supporting the presidential or vice presidential candidates. Jokowi does not want Megawati's anger that could lead to PDIP withdrawing its support and leaving the government coalition.

"Like it or not, Jokowi still wants to be safe until November 20, 2014. Therefore, Jokowi will not openly bring up or endorse Ganjar or others as a presidential or vice presidential candidate," he said.

Moreover, Jamiluddin added, Ganjar is a PDIP cadre who of course Jokowi will not dare to precede Megawati. Possibly, Jokowi was even hit by a merit that endangered his position as a presidential candidate.

"Therefore, Jokowi is less likely to dare to play with fire. He will not sacrifice himself only for a Ganjar," he concluded.