Friendly With Golkar, Jokowi's Volunteers Diverted To The Airlangga-Ganjar Pair?

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (Photo: special)

JAKARTA - Volunteers supporting President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) are being targeted by candidates who want to run in the 2024 Presidential Election. The volunteers also stated that they were just waiting for Jokowi's direction after revealing that there were a number of candidates seeking support.

Political analyst from Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, said that Jokowi's volunteers still seem big when viewed from the surface. This can be seen from the gait of the elite volunteers, especially those who have positions in several strategic places.

"The elite volunteers seem to exist because they often appear in the media. The echo is as if the volunteers are still intact and massive like during the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections," Jamil told reporters, Thursday, June 17.

However, according to Jamil, currently, Jokowi's Volunteers seem to be incomplete, especially at the grassroots. Even though their number is very large compared to the elite volunteers.

In addition, he said, there are also Jokowi volunteers who have moved to other boats considering that in 2024 Jokowi will complete his duties as president. Although some are secretly and likely to be on two legs.

"So, Jokowi's volunteer boat doesn't seem to be as big as many people imagine. Therefore, his influence in carrying another candidate in the 2024 presidential election seems insignificant," he said.

However, Jamil believes that the remnants of Jokowi's volunteer strength will likely be recommended to candidates who can secure his position after the president completes his duties. If the candidate from the PDIP can secure it, then Jokowi will encourage his volunteers to support the candidate in question.

"The same thing applies to Ganjar Pranowo if he continues to run in the 2024 presidential election. Moreover, at the grassroots there are many PDIP cadres who want Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo to run in the 2024 presidential election contestation," said Jamil.

However, Jamil added, it seems that Ganjar will find it difficult to get tickets for presidential candidates both from PDIP and outside PDIP.

If Ganjar jumps into the party, according to Jamil, it is likely that the governor of Central Java can only be accepted as a vice presidential candidate paired with the General Chair of the Golkar Party, Airlangga Hartarto. That's if Ganjar can keep his electability high.

Possible opportunities for support to the Airlangga-Ganjar pair, continued Jamil, because Jokowi had had intimate relations with Golkar for two periods. Especially with Airlangga.

"So if this pair runs in the 2024 presidential election, Jokowi seems to feel more comfortable. His volunteer boat has a great chance of leaning on the Airlangga-Ganjar pair," said Jamil.