When Ridwan Kamil Is Seen As Taking Momentum In The Midst Of The Formation Of The United Indonesia Coalition

Ridwan Kamil and Airlangga Hartarto meet/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil is considered to have deliberately taken the momentum of the formation of the United Indonesia Coalition when he visited the home of the Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan and Chairman of the Golkar Party Airlangga Hartarto on Sunday, May 15 yesterday.

This safari around Widya Chandra is considered as an opportunity for Ridwan Kamil or Kang Emil to cast nets so that he can run in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres) from the new coalition.

"In my opinion, it is no coincidence that Ridwan Kamil started a safari to political parties because yesterday a new coalition emerged between PAN, Golkar, PPP," said researcher and Executive Director of the Coffee Shop Survey Institute Kunto Adi Wibowo to VOI, Monday, May 16.

Kunto said that Kang Emil had the opportunity to run as a candidate for the coalition. However, there are several jobs he must do, including proving that he can be accepted by the people in the country.

"In my opinion, yes, the chance is that RK's opportunity is still there. But how much does it have to be proven by RK through an electability survey and then support from many regions, not only West Java. His homework is there," he said.

However, Kunto believes, Ridwan Kami can complete the homework. Moreover, he has until 2023 to come.

At least, there are a number of things that Emil can do to boost his electability. One of them, stay creative.

"He still has time until 2023, September for the registration of presidential and vice presidential candidates. That's in my opinion," he said.

The United Indonesia Coalition will not make a decision yet

Although Ridwan Kamil has made an approach, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the United Development Party (PPP) Muhammad Mardiono said there has been no decision on who will run in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

The coalition consisting of the Golkar Party, PPP and the National Mandate Party (PAN), continued Mardiono, is currently focusing on discussing political cooperation in the 2024 General Election.

"We, the three parties, have not discussed the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, but only the beginning to discuss political cooperation in the upcoming 2024 election," Mardiono said when contacted by reporters, Monday, May 16.

As previously reported, Ridwan Kamil initially visited Zulkifli Hasan's official residence in Widya Chandra, South Jakarta. In the two-hour meeting, Zulhas admitted that many topics were discussed, including RK asked about the United Indonesia Coalition.

Next, Kang Emil met Airlangga Hartarto at his official residence in the Widya Chandra area as well.

After holding a closed meeting with Airlangga, Kang Emil briefly conveyed the West Java community's response to the United Indonesia coalition formed by Golkar, PAN and PPP. He claimed that his citizens responded positively to the existence of the coalition.

"Thirdly, there is news about the coalition, below is the good response to Pak Airlangga. Sir, this coalition has a very positive response and hopes and of course hopefully, it supports the rest of my position," said RK.

RK also confirmed that he would support the steps of the Golkar Party, including the aspirations of Airlangga in 2024. He said this was a return of gratitude because Golkar had brought and won him in the 2018 West Java Governor Election (Pilgub).

"I support Pak Airlangga's ideals. His capacity and responsibility are also large, including if later there are political dimensions that may not be counted from now on," said Kang Emil at the time.

"I will definitely return the favor to Golkar's support in West Java," he concluded.