Prabowo Says Presidential Candidate Doesn't Have To Be Him, Observers Consider Political Pleasantries

Prabowo Subianto/DOK VOI

JAKARTA - Political communication observer at Esa Unggul University, Jamiluddin Ritonga, believes that Gerindra's statement regarding the presidential candidate doesn't have to be him, it's just political trivia.

According to him, there are three indications of this assumption. First, Gerindra officials have stated from the start that the only presidential candidate from their party is Prabowo. Meanwhile, his companion who is running for vice president can still be compromised.

"Therefore, for Gerindra, Prabowo as a presidential candidate is fixed. There is no bargaining over this," Jamiluddin told VOI, Friday, June 3.

According to Jamiluddin, this firm stance has also been revealed when his cadre who is also the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, is widely reported as worthy of being a presidential candidate. Gerindra officials, he said, immediately emphasized that no presidential candidate other than Prabowo would be promoted by his party.

"The firm stance of Gerindra officials was never annulled by Prabowo. This is a strong indication that Prabowo still wants to run again in the 2024 presidential election as a presidential candidate," he said.

Second, high electability makes Prabowo more confident to run again as a presidential candidate. According to Jamiluddin, Prabowo's frequent electability in first place makes him and his party more confident in winning the 2024 presidential election contestation.

Third, Gerindra, with the acquisition of the top three seats in the DPR, certainly doesn't want the general chairman to not nominate him as a presidential candidate. The high number of seats in the DPR has made Gerindra feel very worthy of carrying its cadres to become presidential candidates. This is further strengthened by the high electability of cadres.

"So, the political logic of the Gerindra party is very logical in nominating Prabowo to be a presidential candidate. That political logic is also certainly in Prabowo's mind. He considers himself very worthy to be a presidential candidate and his party has the right and is very worthy to carry him," he explained.

"So, it is very contradictory if Prabowo will give up the presidential candidate to someone else. He and his party actually see the 2024 presidential election as a momentum for the real president," said Jamiluddin.

Previously, Gerindra Chairman Prabowo Subianto revealed the right criteria for a presidential candidate for 2024. Apart from being an Indonesian citizen who is physically and mentally healthy, this figure must be committed and loyal to Indonesia.

"A figure who is truly committed and loyal to Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution in its entirety. Not as a mantra, but completely. I think that is the most important criterion," Prabowo said at the Nasdem Party DPP Office, Jakarta, Wednesday, June 1.

"If possible, experienced," he continued.

Prabowo was then asked again about his chances of running for the 2024 presidential election.

"Yes, it doesn't have to be Prabowo, anyone," he said