The election of the deputy governor candidate (cawagub) is often a hot topic. This time, public attention was focused on the statement of the Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, regarding the possibility of the former Minister of Agriculture, Suswono, as the deputy governor candidate to accompany Ridwan Kamil in the upcoming Pilkada. In his statement, Prabowo casually hinted that an official announcement regarding this would come at the right time, while stating, “To make it a little tense.”
Prabowo and His Strategic Role in the Election
1. Prabowo’s Influence in National Politics
Prabowo Subianto, as the General Chairman of the Gerindra Party and Minister of Defense, has a great influence in Indonesian politics. His decisions and statements often attract the attention of many parties, especially regarding the party’s strategy in facing regional head elections. With his long experience in the political arena, Prabowo is always considered a figure who is able to read political dynamics astutely.
In the context of the upcoming regional elections, Prabowo’s statement about the deputy governor candidate to accompany Ridwan Kamil is certainly an interesting issue. As the leader of a major party, Prabowo has a key role in determining who will accompany Ridwan Kamil, the popular governor of West Java, for the next term. The name Suswono, who served as Minister of Agriculture during the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono administration, has been mentioned as a strong candidate.
2. Suswono and His Career Path in Government
Suswono is not a new name in the Indonesian political scene. With a background as Minister of Agriculture, he has a solid track record in government. During his tenure, Suswono was known as a figure who focused on developing the agricultural sector and national food security. His extensive experience in the agricultural sector makes him a potential candidate for the deputy governor position, especially in an agricultural province like West Java.
The selection of Suswono as Ridwan Kamil’s deputy governor can be seen as a strategy to strengthen the focus on agricultural sector development in West Java, which is one of the national food barns. In addition, Suswono’s experience in the central government can also be an added value in supporting Ridwan Kamil in managing the largest province in Indonesia.
Speculation and Political Strategy Behind the Deputy Governor Election
1. Why did the name Suswono appear?
Speculation about Suswono as Ridwan Kamil’s running mate did not just appear out of nowhere. There are several factors that have made his name surface. First, Suswono has relevant experience in government, especially in a field that is very important for West Java, namely agriculture. Second, Suswono is a figure who is well-known among politicians and the public, especially in areas that rely on the agricultural sector.
Another factor that makes Suswono’s name increasingly considered is his closeness to Prabowo Subianto. As part of the Gerindra Party family, Suswono has a great chance of getting support from the party in the upcoming election. With this background, it is not surprising that Prabowo considers Suswono as a potential deputy gubernatorial candidate to accompany Ridwan Kamil.
2. Strategy to Delay Announcement: A Political Maneuver?
Prabowo’s statement asking the public to “stay a little tense” while waiting for the official announcement regarding Ridwan Kamil’s deputy gubernatorial candidate is part of a clever political strategy. Delaying the official announcement could be a way to maintain momentum and increase public anticipation. In politics, timing is everything. By withholding information, Prabowo and his team may be trying to create suspense and increase public interest and attention to this decision.
In addition, postponing the announcement also provides space for the campaign team to prepare a mature strategy. In politics, every step must be carefully considered, and the announcement of the deputy governor candidate is one of the important steps that can affect the dynamics of the election. Thus, postponing the announcement could be a way to ensure that this decision is taken at the most appropriate time, with the most positive impact for Ridwan Kamil and his team.
Impact of Deputy Governor Election on Ridwan Kamil’s Campaign
1. Influencing the Voter Base
The selection of a deputy governor candidate has a major impact on a gubernatorial candidate’s campaign. In Ridwan Kamil’s case, selecting Suswono as his deputy governor candidate could help expand his voter base, especially in rural areas and agrarian communities where Suswono’s support is based. With a strong agricultural background, Suswono could draw sympathy from voters working in this sector, as well as people interested in food security and rural development issues.
In addition, Suswono can also provide additional appeal to voters who value experience and track record in government. On the other hand, Suswono’s presence can strengthen Ridwan Kamil’s image as a leader who cares about key sectors in West Java, including agriculture and food security.
2. Strengthening Party Support
Gerindra Party is one of the big parties that has a wide support base in various regions, including West Java. By choosing Suswono as a deputy governor, Ridwan Kamil can strengthen support from Gerindra and the party’s voter base. This is important because the support of a big party like Gerindra can be a determinant of victory in the election.
Prabowo, as a key figure in Gerindra, certainly has a key role in ensuring the party’s full support for Ridwan Kamil and his chosen deputy gubernatorial candidate. If Suswono is indeed chosen, this could be a strong signal that Gerindra will fully support Ridwan Kamil’s campaign, providing a strategic advantage in the increasingly tight political competition.
Prabowo Subianto’s statement about the delay in announcing Ridwan Kamil’s deputy governor candidate by saying “to keep the tension down a bit” is part of a clever political strategy. With Suswono’s name emerging as a potential candidate, the selection of the deputy governor candidate has become an important highlight in the upcoming Pilkada campaign. Suswono’s experience in government and his closeness to Prabowo make him a logical and strategic choice.
Waiting for the official announcement may make the public more curious, but it also gives the campaign team a chance to prepare the next steps more thoroughly. In the world of politics, every decision has a significant impact, and the selection of the deputy governor is one of the important decisions that can determine the direction of the campaign and the final result of this election. With all the speculation and anticipation, the public only needs to wait until the right moment when Prabowo and Ridwan Kamil reveal their decision to the world.
