By Ananda Teresia
JAKARTA (Multibagger) - In a move that has shaken up the political landscape of Indonesia, the country's largest political party has nominated a cabinet minister as its candidate for Jakarta governor, effectively sidelining the early favorite and vocal government critic Anies Baswedan.
The nomination comes after a week of political turmoil and protests in the world's third-largest democracy, sparked by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's attempts to consolidate power before his term ends. This included a controversial proposed revision to election law that would have benefitted his son and marginalized Anies.
After facing widespread backlash, parliament scrapped the proposed legal revisions, leading to the expected nomination of Anies by Indonesia's Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP).
However, PDIP surprised many by nominating cabinet secretary Pramono Anung instead, citing his extensive political experience. The party did not provide a reason for not backing Anies, who served as Jakarta's governor from 2017-2022 and was a presidential candidate this year.
A coalition of 13 government-aligned parties has put forward former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil as its candidate, leaving Anies with no other political backing as he is not affiliated with any party.
The Jakarta governor position, previously held by Jokowi, is considered a launchpad to the presidency. Recent surveys had shown Anies leading the Jakarta contest by 8 points.
Pramono's nomination reflects the widespread criticism directed at Jokowi for his perceived power consolidation efforts ahead of his departure in October.
During his presidential bid, Anies had accused the Jokowi administration of unfair interference in the campaign, including alleged pork-barrelling, which the government denied. Anies contested the election results in court but was unsuccessful.
Analysis:
The nomination of a cabinet minister over a popular former governor for the Jakarta governor race has significant implications for Indonesia's political landscape. It highlights the power struggles and alliances within the country's political sphere, as well as the aspirations of key figures like Jokowi and Anies. The decision not to back Anies despite his lead in surveys underscores the complex dynamics at play in Indonesian politics, where personal relationships and party affiliations can determine electoral outcomes. For investors and observers, this development signals potential shifts in policy direction and priorities, depending on who assumes the role of Jakarta governor. Understanding these political maneuvers is crucial for anticipating economic and regulatory changes that could impact businesses and financial markets in Indonesia.