The name Anies Baswedan was once a magnet in the world of Indonesian politics. His popularity when he led Jakarta seemed to prepare a smooth path to a higher level of power. However, reality said otherwise. Failing to advance in the Jakarta gubernatorial election and failing in the West Java gubernatorial election closed the door to his political ambitions. How does Anies, this once-celebrated figure, now face the bitter reality of politics full of twists and turns? Is popularity enough to survive in the harsh dynamics of politics?
Starting from an academic, Anies entered the political stage without party support. His closeness to major parties began when he attended the Democratic Party convention in the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono era. Although he failed, this step opened his way into elite political circles. Anies then became Jokowi's spokesperson in the 2014 presidential election and was trusted as Minister of Education and Culture. This position did not last long, but it was enough to put him on the national political radar.
After leaving the cabinet, Anies did not stop. He paired up with Sandiaga Uno and fought in the Jakarta gubernatorial election. Supported by Gerindra and PKS, they managed to defeat the incumbent. This victory confirmed Anies' position as a major political player, not only as a governor but also as a new political symbol with national potential.
When the term of office of the Governor of Jakarta ended, Anies' ambition was tested. He ran as a presidential candidate with Muhaimin Iskandar, competing against strong figures such as Prabowo Subianto and Ganjar Pranowo. The defeat in the presidential election was a hard slap, but Anies did not give up. He tried his luck in the Jakarta gubernatorial election. This step seemed like a strategy to secure his power base. However, his hopes were dashed again. The PDIP, which was expected to support him, chose Pramono Anung as its candidate. This decision by the PDIP confirmed how dynamic Indonesian politics is.
Anies' failure in the Jakarta gubernatorial election and his last-minute cancellation in the West Java gubernatorial election show that popularity is not the main weapon in politics. Support from big parties and lobbying power are more decisive. Anies' popularity during his time as governor of Jakarta was not enough to guarantee support. Power in politics is often determined by alliances and mature strategies. Anies, with all his appeal, faces the reality that the game of politics requires more than just loyal followers; he needs allies who are ready to fight behind the scenes.
A smart leader knows when to step back for a moment to formulate a new strategy and wait for the right moment to move. Anies could consider more strategic steps to restore his position, such as building new alliances or even establishing his own political party, as he has hinted. Something that is not easy.
The story of Anies Baswedan is a portrait of the dynamics of Indonesian politics. Failing to advance in the gubernatorial election is not only about lack of support, but also about how power is played behind the scenes. As an academic, Anies should understand that he is facing the reality that in politics, popularity can be an illusion, while true power lies in the hands of those who know when to advance, retreat, or form an alliance.
Although no longer on the front lines, Anies Baswedan remains active in the political arena. He understands that politics is not just about quick wins, but a long game full of twists and turns. Strength lies in the ability to read the situation, maintain alliances, and patiently wait for the right moment to act. Anies may have failed at several steps, but his journey is not over. The Indonesian political arena still awaits him, with new chapters ready to be written. To survive, Anies needs to consider radical steps, either joining a large party or immediately realizing his intention to establish a new party that can become a new force on the political stage. However, establishing and developing a party so that it exists is not easy. Many have tried, but not many have succeeded in doing so.
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