Rejecting Anies, Democrats Consider Ridwan Kamil In The 2024 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election

Ridwan Kamil (X @ridwankamil)

The Central Executive Board (DPP) of the Democratic Party has confirmed that Anies Baswedan is not on the list of candidates for governor who are being considered to be promoted in the 2024 Jakarta Governor and Deputy Governor Election (Pilgub).

The Coordinator of the Democratic Party's DPP Spokesperson, Herzaky Mahendra Putra, revealed that the party is considering several names from internal and external parties.

"From external means, we saw Budisatrio Djiwandono from Gerindra, a member of the DPR from the constituency of East Kalimantan and successfully led the Prabowo-Gibran National Campaign Team (TKN) bravo team during the 2024 presidential election campaign," Herzaky told reporters in Jakarta, Saturday, May 25.

"We are also watching Ridwan Kamil from Golkar who is strong in Jakarta, if he wants to advance here. Then, there is Sudirman Said who is very competent in terms of leadership, managerial, and technical competencies," he added.

From within the party, Herzaky mentioned several names such as Iti Octavia Jayabaya (former Lebak regent), Cellica Nurrachadiana (former regent of Karawang), Ali Muhammad Johan Suharli (member of the Jakarta DPRD), and several other names. Herzaky emphasized that the Governor of Jakarta for the 2017 period '2022, Anies Baswedan was not on the Democratic radar.

"Anies, no. It's not on our radar," he said.

Herzaky explained that the party considered the names because they were someone who really cared about the citizens of Jakarta.

"Jakarta is strategic. Jakarta has become a barometer of many things and has an effect on many regions. We want Jakarta leaders who really think and care about Jakarta residents, not just keep their names known to the public or increase popularity for 2029," explained Herzaky.

"In taking every policy, we always think whether this is the best for the citizens of Jakarta, not whether this will increase popularity or get positive sentiment from the public. We need a leader who can really benefit the people," he added.

The relationship between the Democratic Party and Anies Baswedan became strained after Anies decided to cooperate with the General Chair of the PKB DPP, Muhaimin Iskandar, in the 2024 presidential election. Democrats, who at that time championed Anies, withdrew their support and voted for the party to the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka pair.

The 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is scheduled to take place simultaneously in 545 regions, consisting of 37 provinces, 415 regencies, and 93 cities. The KPU scheduled a vote for the 2024 Pilkada on 27 November 2024.