Former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan has declined an offer from Indonesia’s ruling party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), to run as their gubernatorial candidate for West Java. This decision follows weeks of speculation that PDI-P would nominate him for the Jakarta gubernatorial election in November 2024. Anies, in a video titled “Notes from Anies Post-Presidential and Regional Elections 2024” on his YouTube channel, expressed concerns about the fragility of Indonesia’s political system and hinted at the possibility of creating his own political party to enhance the country’s political consciousness and democracy.
Background
Anies’s reflection comes amid a period of significant political turmoil in Indonesia. In late August 2024, demonstrators across several cities protested against lawmakers’ attempts to overturn a Constitutional Court ruling. This ruling, if overturned, would have allowed President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s youngest son to run in upcoming local elections and blocked smaller parties from participating. The Indonesian election body eventually issued new rules in line with the Constitutional Court’s decision, which many viewed as a victory for democracy. However, the long-term implications of this victory remain uncertain.
Political turmoil
The political unrest began when the Indonesian Constitutional Court issued a ruling on August 20, 2024, lowering the threshold requirement for regional head nominations in gubernatorial elections. The new ruling allows a political party or coalition to nominate a candidate with just 7.5 per cent of the popular vote, without needing seats in the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). Previously, parties needed a minimum of 20 per cent of legislative seats or 25 per cent of the popular vote to field a candidate. The ruling also maintained the minimum age requirement of 30 for candidates.
What was the Constitutional Court ruling?
The Constitutional Court’s decision has significant implications. Firstly, it allows Anies Baswedan, a former presidential election rival of incoming President Prabowo Subianto, to be nominated for Governor of Jakarta, a position he held from 2017 to 2022. Secondly, it prevents Jokowi’s youngest son, 29-year-old Kaesang Pangarep, from running in the gubernatorial election.
KIM Plus
Anies faced challenges in securing a ticket for the gubernatorial election and missed the deadline for independent candidacy. The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the largest party in Jakarta’s legislature, had nominated Anies on the condition that he chose their former chairman Sohibul Iman as his running mate. After missing the deadline, PKS threatened to withdraw their support. Eventually, PKS, along with Anies’s allies National Awakening Party (PKB) and NasDem, joined Prabowo’s affiliated KIM Plus coalition.
What’s KIM Plus?
KIM Plus is a coalition comprising Prabowo’s Gerindra, Golkar, the Democrat Party, PAN, PBB, Gelora Party, Garuda Party, Prima, PSI, PKB, PKS, and NasDem. Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Gerindra’s acting chairman and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), stated that KIM Plus would support former police General Ahmad Luthfi and Jokowi’s youngest son Kaesang in the 2024 Central Java gubernatorial election.
With new ruling, Anies may be able to run for election
The Constitutional Court ruling allows Anies to run for the Regional Head Election (Pilkada) if he can gather 7.5 per cent of the popular vote. Speculations arose that PDI-P might back Anies for the Jakarta gubernatorial election. However, PDI-P, unable to form a coalition or meet the required 22-seat threshold in the Jakarta legislature, could not nominate a candidate.
What did lawmakers do?
Following the August 20 ruling, a group of lawmakers sought to amend the Regional Head Election Law, a move seen by many as undermining the Constitutional Court’s decision. Member of DPR Yandri Susanto claimed the revision aimed to “incorporate” the court’s decision to avoid “wild interpretations.” The proposed revision would restore the previous threshold requirements and the minimum age requirement for candidates.
Peringatan darurat (Emergency warning)
The lawmakers’ plan to amend the election law met with widespread public opposition. An image of Indonesia’s national symbol, Garuda Pancasila, with the words “peringatan darurat” (emergency warning) circulated on social media. Protesters across Indonesia took to the streets, expressing their dissatisfaction with the lawmakers’ attempts to undermine the Constitutional Court ruling.
Constitutional Court upholds rule
On August 25, Indonesia’s election commission issued new rules aligned with the Constitutional Court ruling, effectively blocking Jokowi’s youngest son from running for regional head in the November election and allowing smaller parties to participate. Speculation continued about PDI-P backing Anies for the Jakarta gubernatorial election.
Anies out of regional head race
On August 28, PDI-P announced that it would nominate Jokowi’s current secretary, Pramono Anung, for the Jakarta gubernatorial election. Pramono, a long-time PDI-P member, registered his candidacy at the election commission. Analysts noted that Pramono’s chances of winning were slim and highlighted his close ties with Jokowi, who reportedly had a strained relationship with PDI-P chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Of democracy
Pramono’s candidacy represents the upholding of the Constitutional Court ruling amid protests demanding an end to Jokowi’s political dynasty. Jokowi’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is set to become the next vice president after winning the 2024 presidential election, following a court ruling allowing candidates under 40 to run if they have held an elected regional office.
Of influence and legacy
Despite the court ruling, Jokowi’s influence in Indonesian politics remains significant. The KIM Plus coalition, an extension of the Prabowo-Gibran coalition from the 2024 Presidential Election, underscores his impact. Pramono’s nomination, given his close ties with Jokowi, may continue Jokowi’s legacy, contrary to some public hopes for a break from it.
November election
Indonesia will head to the polls on November 27, 2024, to elect their respective regional heads.
