Jokowi Should Give Prabowo Space To Run A Government Transition

President Joko Widodo ate meatballs with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto in Magelang, Central Java, Monday (29/1/2024) (doc Gerindra)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) must provide space for Prabowo Subianto to lead the transition to government after the results of the 2024 presidential election were conveyed by the General Election Commission (KPU). Don't assume that the former governor of DKI Jakarta is not willing to lose power.

"Here is also a test for a Joko Widodo, whether he is able to dismiss all allegations that he is actually not willing to lose power after trying various political efforts either to postpone the election or extend the president's periodization," said Chief Political Officer of the Political Strategy Group (PSG), Arief Budiman to reporters, Tuesday, March 19.

Giving space to the former Danjen Kopassus is also important for Jokowi to maintain the current situation, said Arief. "If not, it is not impossible that Prabowo will take a diametral stance against him after October 20, 2024," he said.

After all, this transition period is important for the presidency's future. Prabowo is considered to be able to make adjustments to the future government so that the process cannot be underestimated.

"Managing the presidential transition is not merely a formality of the transition of leadership of the state government," said Arief.

"However, he is also a symbol of state honor which is carried out by the president who will soon retire to his upcoming president," he continued.

In addition, this transition period could also prove the ability or absence of Prabowo as president after Jokowi. "This is where the crucial test point for Prabowo, Jokowi, and Gerindra is separated from the DPR's Questionnaire Rights, the Constitutional Court's lawsuit, and other controversies that envelope the 2024 election," said Arief.

Prabowo and his circle should not seem to give up on Jokowi's arrangements and his coalition. Because it is not impossible that this will be the first record of disappointment for the voters of the Indonesian Minister of Defense in the 2024 presidential election.

"The test point is whether Prabowo is able to show his attitude and position as a candidate who is quite successful in leading the presidential transition process, especially if he becomes president-elect in the future," concluded Arief.