Ruling Party Taps Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo To Be Its Presidential Candidate

Indonesia's ruling PDI-P party confirmed that Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo will be its candidate in the 2024 presidential election, as incumbent President Joko Widodo is not eligible to run for another term.

• Ganjar has long been touted as a natural successor to Widodo, which resulted in factional tensions within the ruling party. The Governor of Central Java openly expressed readiness to be nominated as a presidential candidate last October.
• Ganjar's two chief rivals in the presidential race will be Defence Minister Prabowo Subiato and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan. Ganjar has consistently outperformed both in opinion polls, albeit his support took a hit amid backlash against his controversial remarks re: Israel's participation in a sporting event.
• Earlier this month, the Diplomat wrote that "Ganjar’s popularity in Central Java and Prabowo’s strong support in West Java and parts of Sumatra could give them an edge over other potential competitors" amid speculation that the two could team up.
• Ganjar is seen as a candidate of continuity, who would stick with Widodo's flagship policies, including the downstreaming of Indonesia's abundant natural resources and the construction of a new capital in East Kalimantan.
• Indonesia will hold the election on 14 February 2024 to elect the President, Vice President, both houses of parliament and local legislatures.