YOGYAKARTA – The three parties that joined the Coalition for Change in the 2024 Presidential Election are reportedly still solid in supporting Anies Baswedan in the Jakarta Special Region (DKJ) gubernatorial election. Recently, there has been discourse that PDIP will also join in supporting the grandson of National Hero AR Baswedan in the Jakarta gubernatorial race.

Political observer from Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN) Yogyakarta, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khamim Zarkasih Putro, M.Si, considers that if PDIP joins in endorsing Anies, it would be a good breakthrough in Indonesian politics. “This is very good for our democratic system,” he told on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

According to him, in the national political context, the relationship between Islamic or religious and nationalist elements cannot be separated. “In political theory, it might no longer be appropriate, but in some aspects, it still remains a force to be reckoned with,” he emphasized.

He said that in this religious and nationalist relationship, Anies Baswedan is perceived as representing the religious or Islamic community, while PDIP represents the nationalist community. “This is a good collaboration, people see it as an ornament always needed in future Indonesian politics,” he explained.

On the other hand, the Chairman of the Center for Indonesian Cultural Studies and Religious Education Development suspects that Anies Baswedan, often perceived as right-wing, is merely a political target from opposing parties. The fact is, many now realize that under Anies's leadership in Jakarta for five years, the fears did not materialize.

In fact, during Anies's five-year leadership, Jakarta developed into an inclusive and pluralistic environment. “A right-wing figure who can actually embrace all components, regardless of who they are,” he said.

This postgraduate lecturer at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN) Yogyakarta stated that many people eventually realized that a Muslim like Anies, when given the opportunity to lead, could be very attentive to all groups.

“Perhaps the leader idolized by PDIP is like Anies, firm and inclusive, and provides equal opportunities for growth,” he revealed.

According to him, if PDIP truly endorses Anies Baswedan in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, it would be a good collaboration in Indonesian politics. A collaboration that builds Jakarta inclusively, respects diversity, and is full of tolerance.