The support for presidential and vice-presidential candidates continues to increase as the 2024 election approaches. The more support they receive, the better it is for their confidence and credibility. Therefore, support from various parties is highly anticipated.
Recently, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla (JK), officially declared his support for the presidential and vice-presidential candidate pair number 1, Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar (AMIN). JK’s decision is believed to have an electoral impact in the eastern regions of Indonesia, especially in South Sulawesi. As a national figure who has been active in politics and the national economy, JK has a strong electoral influence.
There are two major elite forces that will compete in eastern Indonesia, namely Andi Amran Sulaiman and JK. If JK is in the AMIN camp, then Andi Amran is represented in the camp of presidential and vice-presidential candidate pair number 2, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Andi Amran, who is the Minister of Agriculture, has a political direction in the Prabowo-Gibran camp. This condition can become a balancing force so that the votes of the electorate in the eastern region, especially in South Sulawesi, will be divided into two power poles.
In addition to having a strong base in eastern Indonesia, especially in South Sulawesi, JK also still serves as the chairman of the Council of Mosques and the Indonesian Red Cross. Therefore, JK’s leadership and seniority will also influence Amin’s electability.
Furthermore, in terms of his statesmanship, which is already considered as the father of the nation, JK can provide guidance for Amin in discussing strategic issues. With JK’s presence, Amin’s vision, mission, and programs can be more maturely conceptualized.
On the other hand, the number of undecided voters cannot be underestimated. This is considering the strong flow of information and the reach of the media to the corners of the country. For these voters, the voices of elites, figures, or idols are not the main reference, but only additional references.
In the presidential election contest, voters will be more inclined to their personal perspectives. The personal strength of the candidates who are competing remains the main determinant.
The candidate who can attract voters according to their character is where voters will make their political choices. These voters may not choose the figure supported by their idol.
However, JK’s influence is not as strong as it was 5 or 10 years ago, especially when JK was Vice President. Political power in the east began to spread with the emergence of younger figures such as Amran, the Minister of Agriculture.
Source: Mengukur Efek Elektoral JK Mendukung AMIN RedTT0Vjz6 (seword.com)
