13-10-2023 (JAKARTA) The vast volunteer network associated with Indonesian President Joko Widodo has indicated its endorsement of retired military general Prabowo Subianto as a candidate for the February 2024 election. This move signifies a strong signal that President Widodo is backing his former rival in the upcoming election.
All regional branches of the influential network known as Projo, which is considered a proxy for President Widodo, have proposed Prabowo as their candidate, according to Handoko, the secretary general of Projo. This hinted endorsement from the Projo network comes at a time of intense speculation in the world’s third-largest democracy regarding President Widodo’s preferred successor as he prepares to step down in October next year.
Although President Widodo does not lead a party himself, he enjoys the support of millions of social media-savvy volunteers who promote his policies and presidency, particularly during election campaigns.
Projo, the network that played a crucial role in securing victories for President Widodo against Prabowo in the 2014 and 2019 elections, will announce its final decision during its upcoming national meeting. Handoko, who only goes by one name, stated that President Widodo is expected to deliver the opening speech at the event, and his guidance will determine which candidate Projo supports.
As of now, President Widodo has not officially endorsed any candidate, and his office did not immediately respond to requests for comments. While President Widodo is a member of the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which has nominated regional governor Ganjar Pranowo as its presidential candidate, he has also shown tacit support for Prabowo, whom he appointed as the defense minister in 2019.
Prabowo, 71, emerged as the frontrunner in a recent opinion poll, with 34% of respondents expressing their intention to vote for him. Ganjar followed closely behind with 30%, while a third candidate, Anies Baswedan, trailed with 22%.
Presidential candidates and their running mates are required to register with the election commission between October 19th and 25th.
Another indication of President Widodo’s support for Prabowo is the potential candidacy of the president’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, as the vice-presidential candidate for the former special forces commander. Speculation about Gibran’s candidacy has emerged, considering that the 2024 election is expected to be influenced significantly by the younger generation, with 52% of voters being millennials and Gen Z.
Projo’s Handoko commented on the matter, saying, “The 2024 election is for the young generation because 52% of voters are millennials and Gen Z. This is why Gibran’s name has been raised as one of the vice-presidential candidates during our regional meetings.”
The Constitutional Court is anticipated to issue a ruling next Monday that could potentially lower the age limit for vice-presidential candidates from 40 to 35, further shaping the dynamics of the upcoming election.
