Keep Sponsoring Cak Imin For The 2024 Presidential Election, PKB Suggests Khofifah To Continue Becoming Governor Of East Java

Chairman of the DPP National Awakening Party (PKB) Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB) Jazilul Fawaid, stated that his party is still seeking General Chair Muhaimin Iskandar alias Cak Imin to advance in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres), according to the results of the congress decision.

This followed a meeting between Gerindra Chairperson Prabowo Subianto and East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa some time ago. It is said that Khofifah is being eyed to become the 2024 vice presidential candidate.

"According to the decision of the congress, PKB will continue to fight for Gus Muhaimin to advance in the presidential election," Jazilul told reporters, Friday, February 17.

Jazilul emphasized that PKB would not open up other name options to be nominated in the upcoming presidential election. His party, he said, was unanimous in supporting the vice chairman of the DPR to run for both the presidential and vice presidential candidates.

"Gus Muhaimin is still the best, and we are closing the door on the possibility of submitting another name. Gus Muhaimin is worthy and deserves to advance in the presidential election," he said.

Moreover, continued Jazilul, based on the results of the latest SMRC survey, Cak Imin was superior compared to other NU figures, including Khofifah.

"Looking at the results of the SMRC survey, the result is that Gus Muhaimin is superior compared to other NU figures, including Mrs. Khofifah," he said.

Because of this, the Deputy Speaker of the MPR suggested that Khofifah should only continue her position as Governor of East Java. PKB, said Jazilul, will definitely support him running again in the upcoming 2024 East Java Pilgub.

"In my opinion, Ms. Khofifah is better off continuing to become Governor of East Java. East Java still needs Mrs. Khofifah, God willing, we will support it," said Gus Jazil.

Previously, a survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) stated that Ketum PK Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud Md, and Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa were Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figures who received public support for the presidential election.

Previously, a survey by Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) stated that Ketum PK Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud Md, and Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa were Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figures who received public support. for the presidential election.

In the presentation of the survey results delivered by the founder of SMRC Saiful Mujani, in the program 'Political Surgery with Saiful Mujan' episode "Electoral Strength of Nahdlatul Ulama", said the nationalist party always supports NU figures advancing to the presidential election.

"In the experience of several elections since 1999, there has been a tendency for presidential candidates from nationalist parties to take representatives from Islamic groups, especially NU," said Saiful in his statement, Thursday, February 16.

As for the electability level of several NU figures that were gathered in December 2022, the first was occupied by Cak Imin because he is the chairman of the party with a mass NU base, PKB.

Then the name Mahfud Md, according to Saiful, is also important because he is a senior minister in the Jokowi government.

"Mahfud also had a long political career and was active in PKB during Gus Dur's time. Meanwhile, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, apart from being governor of East Java, was also active in PKB during Gus Dur's time," he said.

Saiful continued, political parties also often consider NU figures who are not party members, but seniors, considered charismatic and influential.

"That's why it's important to include the names of former PBNU chairman Said Aqil Siroj and PBNU chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf," he said.