JAKARTA– Former presidential candidate Anies Baswedan recently spoke out against the notion that participating in a gubernatorial election after a presidential campaign represents a demotion. He emphasized that both types of elections are significant and should not be viewed hierarchically.

“Both the presidential and gubernatorial elections are important competitions for the country, not differentiated by caste or level,” Anies explained in an interview with Bambang Widjojanto, shared on his YouTube channel on May 19, 2024.

Anies argued that returning to a previous governmental position after an election is a natural part of democratic processes. He compared political campaigns to sports competitions, where participation does not diminish an athlete's status.

“If Kylian Mbappe competes in the World Cup and then plays in the European Championship, it does not mean he is stepping down by competing in another tournament,” Anies remarked, emphasizing that a similar perspective should apply to political contests.

Further supporting Anies’s view, Professor Dimyati MSi from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta rejected the idea that moving from a presidential to a gubernatorial candidacy is a step down. “Anies Baswedan’s pursuit of social justice is consistent, whether he campaigns for president or governor,” Prof. Dimyati noted, recognizing Anies’s steadfast commitment to his principles.

Imam Trikarso Hadi, Chair of the Simpul Relawan Aliansi Nasional Indonesia Sejahtera (ANIES) in West Java, acknowledged Anies’s strategic decision to potentially run for governor again as politically savvy, positioning him for future national leadership roles. “The people of Jakarta have felt the benefits of his governance, which justifies his continuation in political office,” said Imam Trikarso.

These statements highlight the broader discourse around the career trajectories of politicians in Indonesia, challenging the stigma associated with running for lower-profile positions after higher ones. The article underscores a call for a shift in how political participation is viewed, stressing the importance of continuous public service over hierarchical perceptions.