30-12-2023 (JAKARTA) As the sun cast its first light over Merauke, Indonesia’s easternmost city nestled in the province of South Papua, the presidential hopeful Mr. Ganjar Pranowo, one of three contenders for Indonesia’s upcoming election, was already gearing up for the day on Nov 29. This marked the second day of the 75-day official campaigning period, and Mr. Ganjar, clad in a long-sleeved black t-shirt, leggings, and running shorts, embarked on his daily morning routine of walking and running.
A day earlier, Mr. Ganjar and his team had touched down in Merauke after a non-stop chartered flight from Jakarta, covering the vast 3,700 km distance in six hours. Despite the long journey, Mr. Ganjar was resolute in maintaining his fitness regimen, emphasizing the importance of exercise for overall health. Accompanied by Mr. Andika Perkasa, the deputy chairman of his campaign team and a former military chief known for his passion for weightlifting, Mr. Ganjar showcased his dedication to physical well-being.
Mr. Ganjar, backed by his political party, embarked on the campaign trail in the challenging region of Papua, where issues like limited access to healthcare, education, and inadequate infrastructure plague the 240,000-strong population. During his morning run, Mr. Ganjar engaged with locals, waving at passers-by and occasionally striking up conversations.
Reflecting on his fitness routine, Mr. Ganjar revealed, “I used to cycle. But one day, I fell… So my wife said, ‘Let’s do something else.’ Since the incident 20 years ago, we have started walking or running or, if I don’t have much time, swimming.” His commitment to staying active underscores his aspiration to be in optimal condition if elected as Indonesia’s president.
Despite a packed schedule and the considerable journey to Merauke, Mr. Ganjar exuded cheerfulness during interactions and spontaneous visits—a trait honed during his decade-long tenure as Central Java governor, which concluded in September. However, the question of President Joko Widodo’s support looms large.
While Mr. Ganjar shares a political affiliation with President Widodo, the latter seems inclined towards supporting his son and the vice-presidential candidate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is running alongside Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo, aiming for the presidency for the third time, poses a formidable challenge, having faced defeat in 2014 and 2019.
In response to questions about President Widodo’s apparent endorsement of another candidate, Mr. Ganjar remained composed, stating, “Every time there is an election, there are always surprises. But I am fully aware that a person has the right to vote and has a political stance.” Unperturbed by the lack of endorsement, Mr. Ganjar affirmed, “And if that’s the case, then we will be different. That’s the decision.”
PDI-P, the political party endorsing Mr. Ganjar, announced his candidacy in April, positioning him as the third and final potential presidential candidate. Initially leading in polls due to similarities in leadership style and humble beginnings shared with President Widodo, Mr. Ganjar’s popularity dipped as President Widodo leaned towards endorsing Prabowo.
The latest opinion surveys paint a challenging picture for Mr. Ganjar, with a Dec 27 poll by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) ranking him and his running mate, Mr. Mahfud, at the bottom among the three candidate pairs. The survey indicated Prabowo’s pairing as the frontrunner.
Undeterred by the poll results, Mr. Ganjar remains confident, citing PDI-P’s long-standing presence in Indonesian politics. The party, existing for 50 years, played a significant role during the authoritarian rule of President Suharto. In a symbolic move, Mr. Ganjar initiated his campaign trail from Merauke, while his running mate, Mahfud MD, commenced campaigning from Sabang, Aceh—the westernmost town of the archipelago.
The campaign’s focus on uniting Indonesia is evident in Mr. Ganjar’s choice of locations. Launching the “one village, one health facility, one health worker” program in Semangga, Merauke regency, Mr. Ganjar addressed the region’s healthcare challenges. This initiative received positive responses from locals like Mr. Godefridus Gebze, who expressed gratitude for Mr. Ganjar’s visit to assess on-the-ground conditions.
Despite facing challenges, including reported destruction of his billboards in parts of Indonesia, Mr. Ganjar remains optimistic. Born in Karanganyar, Central Java, he faced obstacles early in life but pursued a career in law and activism, joining PDI-P in 1992. His journey to becoming the party’s sole presidential candidate was marked by twists and turns, including disagreements with party leadership.
With a Metallica fan’s optimism, Mr. Ganjar looks ahead, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure support from undecided voters. “God willing, we are optimistic because we have prepared all troops with strength from the political parties and the volunteers,” he said, acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties of the upcoming election.
