The 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has been meddling and endorsing candidates in various regional elections. PDIP politician TB Hasanuddin believes that Jokowi’s attitude does not reflect that of a statesman.
“He is a former two-term president, he is a statesman and as a statesman, he should be a role model.” “I see something inappropriate when President Prabowo is abroad, he is paraded in a car, then throws T-shirts just like when he was president before,” said Hasanuddin when confirmed, Tuesday (26/11/2024).
Hasanuddin reminded that Jokowi is no longer serving as president or the chairman of a political party, so he should not interfere in the regional elections.
“Let’s try to be understanding, please Mr. Jokowi, he is no longer the president, he is also not the chairman of a political party, why is he still getting involved on the ground? This is not in line with his promise that he would retire to the village and take care of his grandchildren, not meddle in the streets,” he said.
Meanwhile, PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, accompanied by FX Hadi Rudyatmo, paid a pilgrimage to the Tomb of Prince Sambernyawa.
There, Hasto complained about Jokowi’s power ambition that has gone beyond limits.
“Instead of being satisfied with Gibran who has become the vice president.” Now, Mr. Jokowi is still trying to make his son-in-law, Bobby Nasution, the Governor of North Sumatra by any means necessary. His power delegation to Police Commissioner General (Ret.) Ahmad Lutfi in Central Java; Ridwan Kamil in DKI; Khofifah in East Java; and so many other regional head candidates entrusted as an extension of Pak Jokowi’s power,” he revealed.
Jokowi Still Interfering in the 2024 Regional Elections, Is His Influence Still Significant?
The 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, has stepped in to promote several gubernatorial and regional head candidates participating in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.
Political observer Adi Prayitno chose the right word for Jokowi’s stance, namely endorsement. For him, the former president is no longer a state official or a civilian, so the use of the term “cawe-cawe” in the context of the 2024 regional elections is less appropriate to apply to him.
“I think it’s not appropriate to call Jokowi cawe-cawe. Usually, cawe-cawe refers to those who are currently public officials and actively promote certain candidates,” said Adi. “Currently, Jokowi is just a former president, and I believe his political position is that of an ordinary citizen who is also entitled to support a certain candidate.” So Jokowi is like most people, not an elite and just an ordinary citizen,” he continued.
Whether Jokowi’s endorsement and political support for certain candidates will have a significant impact or not, Adi explained, it cannot be denied that the influence exists. This is similar to what Anies Baswedan has done, whose influence can affect the supported regional leaders.
“It must be acknowledged that in the direct elections of governors, regents, and mayors, endorsements or open political support from key elites like Jokowi, possibly also Anies Baswedan, and even support from Prabowo Subianto will certainly have an impact. Whether the impact is significant or not, that is another matter,” he explained.
Adi said that clearly, an endorsement from Jokowi can satisfy the greatest expectations of people who are pleased with him in certain areas, such as Jakarta and Central Java.
People who like Jokowi certainly want their candidate in the regional elections to also receive support from the former president.
“People who are satisfied with Jokowi’s governance or strong Jokowi voters are expected to support Luthfi-Taj Yasin in Central Java and support RK-Suswono in Jakarta.” “How significant the impact of Jokowi’s support will be, well, only time will tell,” he said.
Can Affect Electability
However, Jokowi’s endorsement will somewhat increase support for certain candidates. Because there are still people who like Jokowi, whether in Central Java, Jakarta, or other regions.
“Likewise, Anies Baswedan’s support in Jakarta, for example, will certainly also impact adding votes for Pram, Pram and Rano Karno. Especially if the supporter is Prabowo, it will definitely have a significant impact,” he said.
Adi mentioned that whether Jokowi’s candidate will fail or win certainly depends heavily on the political work of the candidates and their winning success teams.
“In my opinion, Jokowi’s support or the support of other key elites, like Anies for example, is merely supplementary, not the main factor.” The main factor in winning that contest is still the candidate who advances. For example, in Central Java, it really depends on Luthfi and Yasin, and on RK and Suswono in Jakarta, you know,” he revealed.
Not Determining Everything
For him, endorsements do not determine everything, whether from Jokowi or Anies Baswedan. It can only complement and increase electability, which each candidate already possesses.
The figure who gives the endorsement is not the key factor to victory. If in the future many candidates lose despite having received Jokowi’s support, it can be interpreted that the former president no longer has influence in the eyes of the people.
“Well, if Jokowi’s champions or the people supported by Jokowi fail, then it will definitely lead to the conclusion that Jokowi’s influence, Jokowi’s endorsement, is no longer important, it has no meaning.” Conversely, if Jokowi’s candidates win, it will surely be claimed that Jokowi’s influence is still significant. But remember, the endorsements from Jokowi and other elites are merely supplementary, not the main factor,” he emphasized.
When the candidates win the regional election contest, it cannot be considered a victory for Jokowi. Moreover, the candidates already had electability from the beginning when they entered the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.
“It should be that if someone endorsed by Jokowi wins, it’s not Jokowi’s victory, but the victory of that candidate.” Because before being endorsed by Jokowi, people like Luthfi and Taj Yasin already had strong electability. Because before being endorsed by Jokowi, RK and Suswono already had a relatively solid voter base in Jakarta, that’s all,” Adi emphasized.
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