Jokowi Already Knows Mahfud MD Becomes Ganjar's Vice Presidential Candidate

Will the presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo together with the vice presidential candidate Mahfud MD/STIMEWA'S PHOTO

Secretary General of the PDI-P (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto confirmed that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) knew that the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD was paired with Ganjar Pranowo as a vice presidential candidate (cawapres) in the 2024 presidential election.

This was conveyed by Hasto after Mahfud was announced as a vice presidential candidate today, Wednesday, October 18. He said the information had reached Jokowi's ears through Cabinet Secretary Minister (Menseskab) Pramono Anung.

"Today (readwapres) Ganjar was announced," said Hasto at the PDIP DPP office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18.

Even though he already knew about the presidential election, Jokowi could not attend the announcement. This is because the head of state is currently carrying out visits to China and Saudi Arabia.

"He is carrying out state duties," said Hasto.

Meanwhile, PDIP DPP Chair Puan Maharani understood Jokowi's absence when Mahfud was announced as a vice presidential candidate. He said that his cadres had a busy life that could not be left behind.

"So we understand the absence or unbiasedness of Pak Jokowi at the announcement of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on this occasion. Because there are more important tasks that the President must carry out," said Puan.

As previously reported, the General Chairperson of the PDI-P (PDIP) Megawati Soekarnoputri officially announced Mahfud MD as a companion to Ganjar in the 2024 presidential election. This decision was taken after the contemplation was carried out and had a dialogue with the general chairmen as well as other figures. Bismillahirrohmanirrohim, then the vice presidential candidate chosen by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle who will accompany Mr. Ganjar Pranowo is Mr. Prof. Dr. Mahfud MD," said Megawati at the PDIP DPP Office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18. In the announcement of this vice presidential candidate, the entire general chairman of Ganjar's supporting party was present, such as Acting Chairman of PPP Muhamad Mardiono, Chairman of the Hanura Party Oesman Sapta Odang, Chairman of the Perindo Party Hary Tanoesoedibjo, and Chairman of the National Winning Team Ganjar President (TPN GP) Arsjad Rasyid. Then there were also PDIP officials such as PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP General Treasurer Olly Dondokambey, PDIP DPP Chairperson who is also Megawati's son, Prananda Prabowo and Puan Maharani as well as other cadres.