JAKARTA– Political parties’ support for Anies Baswedan to run in the upcoming November 2024 Special Capital Region of Jakarta Governor Election (DKJ) is a recognition of his leadership quality and capability.

Not only his supporters from the 2024 presidential election, such as NasDem, PKS, and PKB, have signaled strong support to nominate him, but even Golkar and PDIP are considering nominating Anies Baswedan.

“If we talk about marketing, it's about the market. The first thing we look at is the market response. The dynamic market response that everyone is eyeing (Anies). It’s not easy for PDIP to give recognition. PDIP is honest because it sees the reality. It’s not made up,” explained Prof. Ahmad Humam Hamid on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

This professor from Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) emphasized that if a party from the Change Coalition like NasDem supports Anies to run in the Jakarta Governorship, it might be considered biased because the public already knows how close Surya Paloh, the chairman, is with Anies Baswedan.

This differs from PDIP, which has historically been seen as opposing Anies, with many considering their political ideologies to be different.

“If Surya Paloh (supports him) it might be biased because he has fallen for Anies. But if it's PDIP, if it's Golkar who were previously cynical, how come they (might support him now)? Suddenly all the phrases that cornered Anies are gone. And this is objective,” he firmly stated.

“What remains now is how Anies can build good communication, negotiate to choose who his allies will be,” he added.

As known, not only NasDem, PKS, and PKB, members of the Change Coalition in the 2024 presidential election have declared they will support Anies, but even Golkar and PDIP in Jakarta are considering pairing Anies with their respective cadres.

For instance, Golkar is open to pairing Anies with Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, who is the Chairman of Golkar Jakarta. Meanwhile, PDIP Jakarta is discussing pairing Anies with their cadre, Praseyo Edi Marsudi, who currently serves as the Chairman of the DKI Jakarta DPRD.

So far, Anies has not made a decision. He is still considering whether to run or not, as he expressed when responding to community support while attending a gathering and Eid event with street vendors and residents of the Urban Poor Network (JRMK) in Kampung Marlina, North Jakarta last week.

“I told the gentlemen and ladies, indeed, I have received invitations from political parties, been offered, and asked to be nominated as governor. Currently, I am considering whether to return or not,” said Anies.

Continuing, Prof. Ahmad Humam Hamid from Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) supports Anies Baswedan to run in the upcoming Special Capital Region of Jakarta Governor Election (DKJ) this November 2024. According to him, Anies must return to lead Jakarta.

“It’s necessary, obligatory (for Anies Baswedan to run for the Jakarta Governorship) according to me,” he said when contacted by KBA News on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

This sociologist and political observer then outlined three reasons why Anies should return to Jakarta. First, Anies has proven to be successful in steering Jakarta during the 2017-2022 period.

“He has proven himself as one of the best governors, without any major controversies, especially concerning abuse of power. No one can dispute that,” he said.

This senior academic emphasizes that a trustworthy person like Anies should be given the opportunity to lead. Moreover, Anies is a visionary rich with ideas.

“His ideas must not die. This is a matter of ideas and power. He has shown that when he holds power, he can implement his innovative ideas for the welfare of the people,” he revealed.

“Especially as future developments also require responses that we see Anies is capable of addressing,” continued this master's graduate from Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines, and a doctorate holder from the University of Kansas, USA.

The second reason, he continued, is the high satisfaction among Jakarta residents with Anies' performance during his first term. Citing many survey findings, such as those from Populi Center, he explained that 83 percent of Jakarta residents are satisfied with the performance of the former Rector of Universitas Paramadina.

Thirdly, Anies has shown himself to be a leader with great spirit. Anies knows how to position himself well after losing in the 2024 presidential election.

“He acknowledged Mr. Prabowo's victory, remained submissive and obedient to the constitution. That any debate about all sorts of things is another matter. But he is a law-abiding citizen. In my opinion, that is enough, and he sets an example of how a defeated presidential candidate should behave,” he said.