Jadi Irjen Kemendag, Ahmad Luthfi Batal Nyagub Jateng?

Central Java Police Chief Inspector General. Ahmad Lutfi. (ANTARA/Heru Suyitno)

JAKARTA. - Political science expert at the University of Indonesia Cecep Hidayat said that the Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Ahmad Luthfi must be firm in choosing to become a candidate for Governor of Central Java or Inspector General of the Ministry of Trade (Inspector General of the Ministry of Trade).

He made the statement in response to the news of the National Mandate Party (PAN) which was ready to carry Luthfi, and the process he underwent to become Inspector General of the Ministry of Trade.

"What is his target that he wants to target until October? Become an Inspector General of the Ministry or become a legislative candidate? He must be firm in conveying it at the beginning, so that people also know which one is in the reserve position. Don't be like that," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 11.

According to him, being a candidate for governor and Inspector General of the Ministry is important, so Luthfi's firmness is needed.

"As an Inspector General, he has high integrity, has professional competence, then also has adequate managerial ability for supervisory duties, carrying out internal supervision tasks in the ministry," said the Executive Director of Indonesian Strategic Research (ISR).

Meanwhile, he considered that the PAN step that was ready to carry Luthfi was a pragmatic effort by looking for popular figures. According to him, Luthfi's work as the Central Java Police Chief, which is one of the elements in the regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda), could make him known to the public.

This Luthfi is relatively popular, known. Well, this is the initial capital. If we talk about regional elections, yes, character character character character is needed. So, it's known, yes, now work doesn't start from scratch, from scratch. So, it's only the second, third stage, which is to make Luthfi liked, then make Luthfi chosen," he explained.

Previously, PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan asked the party regional leadership council to carry Luthfi as a candidate for Governor of Central Java in the 2024 Pilkada.

"I ask for Central Java, Mr. Luthfi will later be brought to the working meeting," said Zulkifli after the Central Java PAN Regional Coordination Meeting in Semarang, Saturday (8/6).

In addition, Zulhas, who is also the Minister of Trade, said Luthfi was in the process of serving as Inspector General of the Ministry of Trade.

Zulhas made this statement to answer reporters' questions about the possibility that the two-star general should retire early if PAN is promoted as a candidate for Governor of Central Java.

"It is in the process for the Inspector General of the Ministry of Trade, it is almost finished," he said.