Ganjar Welcomed By Papuans, Observer: Momentum To Boost Popularity

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo in Papua (Photo: jatengprov.go.id)

JAKARTA - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo got the attention of Papuans when he set foot on Earth Cenderawasih regarding the XX 2021 PON event.

Political observer Dedi Kurnia Syah, considers that it is natural for a popular figure like Ganjar to get the attention of the people there. Instead, the XX Papua PON event became the momentum for regional heads to boost popularity.

"All popular regional heads are gaining momentum to boost their popularity, everyone will take advantage of it. Including what Ganjar did, I think, in order to catch up with popularity in Papua," said Dedi to VOI, Monday, October 4.

However, according to the Executive Director of Indonesia Political Opinion (IPO), the attention of Papuans towards Ganjar cannot be perceived to vote for the 2024 presidential election. Even though, Ganjar took a different step from other figures who took the general arrival route instead of VIP when arriving at the airport.

"If it is considered a close step towards the 2024 presidential election, this is not the case, it is only an initial assessment. That Ganjar in Java is already popular, so doing small things outside of normative matters will certainly ignite public sympathy and be seen on social media," explained Dedi.

However, said Dedi, Ganjar's decision to take the general route was not accidental. Because it is known that Ganjar's position as governor today is being discussed as the most popular figure in PDIP and among other figures. At least one of the top 5 potential figures for the 2024 presidential election.

Then, Javanese identity is rather difficult to enter into areas far from Java Island, especially Papua has a rather sensitive issue. Even some Papuan activists show a lack of acceptance with the leadership of the Javanese even though President Jokowi has made political accommodations.

"Well, Ganjar took the momentum to accept Joko Widodo's leadership relay to himself starting from Papua," explained Dedi.

Dedi said that Papua is very special because ethnically it is a symbol of diversity.

"So, those who care about Papua or perhaps seek popularity in Papua seem to embrace all ethnic groups in Indonesia, even though that is not the case," he said.

So, if Ganjar takes the momentum of PON XX to win the hearts of the Papuan people, what are his chances in the 2024 presidential election?

Dedi said the IPO record was good enough for Ganjar but the voters were mostly in Central Java.

"And that is PDIP as one unit. This means that if Ganjar is placed outside Java, Ganjar's voice is small," said Dedi.

It is known that the Governor of Central Java (Central Java), Ganjar Pranowo arrived at Sentani Jayapura Airport, Friday, October 1.

Ganjar who flew from Semarang on Thursday, October 30, transited first in Jakarta and only arrived in Jayapura on Friday, October 1, at 10:00 east Indonesia time.

Unlike other officials who got off at the airport VIP, Ganjar, who was accompanied by his wife, Siti Atikoh, chose to get off at public arrivals. Suddenly, Ganjar was immediately swarmed by the people there.

"Mr. Ganjar, Mr. Ganjar. Take a photo, sir," shouted the residents there.

While in Papua, Ganjar Pranowo was well received by various circles of society. They competed with each other to give gifts and take pictures together.