YOGYAKARTA – Running for the Jakarta gubernatorial election is more strategic for Anies Baswedan than joining the Prabowo-Gibran cabinet. If he wins in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, Anies can continue to champion the spirit of change.

Ton Martono, Secretary-General of The Winner Institute Yogyakarta, stated, "If the choice is between running for Jakarta governorship and being part of the Prabowo-Gibran cabinet, then running for governor is the right option."

"Winning the Jakarta gubernatorial election would allow Anies Baswedan to continue the spirit of change," he said when contacted Thursday, May 23, 2024.

The leader of this democracy and social studies institute revealed, "The five years in Jakarta have proven it, Anies brought social justice, sided with the common people, not the oligarchy, and others."

He believes the governorship will further elevate Anies' name, especially if he succeeds in developing Jakarta as a Global City as stipulated in the DKJ Law.

He acknowledged, under the DKJ Law, it is a challenge for anyone who is the governor. "Well, Anies actually already has five years of experience leading Jakarta, which was then still the capital and now a Global City," he revealed.

According to him, a Global City is always in the media spotlight, even international media. Anything the governor does is consumed by the media. "Building a second aquarium neighborhood becomes news, inaugurating buildings becomes news, even casual strolls become news. Anies remains a topic of public discussion," he revealed.

Ton Martono stated that based on several statements made by Anies Baswedan, there is a very small chance of him joining the cabinet. "I think he doesn't want to join (the cabinet) even if there's an offer. Even though Anies has the capacity, competence as a minister, I think he will stay out of the cabinet," he explained.

"It seems unlikely to join the cabinet. If he joins the cabinet, it means working in IKN. Since then, Anies has been somewhat uncomfortable with the development of IKN," he clarified.

Three Advantages of Anies

Meanwhile, Ade Reza Hariyadi, Dean of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences at Universitas Krisnadwipayana (Unkris), considers Anies Baswedan a potential candidate for the 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial election.

Anies is seen as having a significant chance of winning the upcoming 2024 Jakarta election due to three factors he currently possesses.

"I think Anies still has a great chance to run for the Jakarta gubernatorial election. First, considering his experience and potential electability," Ade Reza told KBA News in a WhatsApp call on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

The political science researcher also explained factors other than Anies' high electability. According to him, Anies could become a central figure among political parties.

The status of Jakarta, no longer being the capital of Indonesia, does not immediately lose its prestige. According to Ade Reza, Jakarta still retains its status as a center of civilization.

Therefore, Jakarta needs a leader with a strong base. Anies is seen as fitting the needs of Jakarta as an agglomeration area.

"The second is also the interest of the supporting coalition parties to play a strategic role in the Jakarta gubernatorial election through Anies," he said.

Then, the third factor, the stature of Anies, is still considered worthy to compete in the 2029 Presidential Election, is an important point. Anies must remain active in national politics to boost his electability again.

This situation is very advantageous for Anies. The Governor of Jakarta from 2017 to 2022 will be a highly considered candidate for the 2029 Presidential Election.

"The third, actually for Anies himself, the Jakarta gubernatorial election, if he is elected, could become a bridge to the 2029 Presidential Election," concluded Ade Reza.