Calls Erick Thohir's Visit To NasDem Unusual, Observer: Political Nuance Feels Thick

JAKARTA - SOE Minister Erick Thohir's visit to high-ranking political parties has sparked speculation. Recently, Erick attended the NasDem Party event.

Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, considered it natural that Erick's visit to political party officials was considered political. This is because it is not uncommon for BUMN ministers to visit political parties considering their duties and functions (tupoksi) which are not directly related to political parties.

"There is a strong political nuance considering that the visit was carried out when political parties were starting to discuss the presidential candidate. Erick has the possibility of exploring his opportunity to participate in the 2024 presidential election contestation," Jamiluddin said in a statement to VOI, Tuesday, June 7.

Jamiluddin analyzes that this opportunity is heading for a bigger direction considering that several volunteers previously voiced Erick Thohir to become a presidential candidate. This includes Erick's visit to a pesantren which is considered as preparation for the 2024 presidential election contestation.

"So, Erick might explore political parties to be his boat in the 2024 presidential election. I think that's the political meaning of Erick's visit to political party officials," said Jamiluddin Ritonga.

Previously, SOE Minister Erick Thohir attended the NasDem Party National Gathering (Silatnas) entitled 'We Pancasila, Pancasila Responds to Challenges' at NasDem Tower, Central Jakarta, Thursday, June 2.

At that moment, the General Chair of NasDem Surya Paloh had called Erick the nickname "rising star". The nickname was conveyed by Surya Paloh when he was about to close the opening speech of the Silatnas event.

"So is Erick Thohir, our young leader, a rising star. We hope that we can strengthen these Pancasila values going forward, struggling in the future struggle," said Surya Paloh.