INDONESIA In the regional vote it is once again a battle between Megawati and Jokowi

For the first time, Indonesia goes to the polls today to elect all its governors at the same time. In Jakarta and Central Java the two most anticipated challenges are those of the PDIP candidates and those of the unprecedented alliance between former General Prabowo, elected president in February, and his old adversary.

Jakarta () – A few months after the presidential elections in February, Indonesia is once again called to the polls today for its regional elections (Pilkada), which for the first time are held simultaneously throughout the country. Today’s elections will determine the election of 543 district heads and 38 provincial governors.

However, today’s vote also has a broader meaning, because it will mean a new distant confrontation between former President Megawati Soekarnoputri and his loyal successor Joko Widodo, after the disagreements that arose in the presidential elections last February. On that occasion, Megawati’s political party, the PDIP, strongly supported the then governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, while Jokowi sided with his former “rival”, former general Prabowo Subianto, and supported his son Major Gibran as vice president. Prabowo’s victory did not put an end, however, to the confrontation between Megawati and Jokowi, since the former’s supporters accused the latter of working again for the victory of candidates linked to the current president, to the detriment of the PDIP exponents. his old party.

The three Indonesian provinces in focus during the Pilkada are Jakarta, Central Java and East Java: this trio has become crucial in the power struggle between Jokowi loyalists and Megawati followers. Facing each other in Jakarta are former Indonesian government secretary Pramono Anung, PDIP candidate, former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil, supported by President Prabowo, and independent Dharma Pongrekun. Anung, who is an identifiable figure with the nationalist camp, seems to be the favorite.

In Central Java, on the other hand, there is a “strong” rivalry between the former commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, General Andika Pratama, of the PDIP, and police general Lutfi, supported by both Prabowo Subianto and Jokowi. “Both are nationalist figures and therefore Pilkada 2024 will be the real test of whether Megawati or the alliance between Jokowi and Prabowo is more influential in Central Java,” local political analyst Anton told .

It must also be taken into account that provincial governors are very influential figures, capable of building great consensus around themselves thanks also to the extensive financial resources of local budgets. Therefore, often occupying this position in a key province, such as Central Java, also becomes a springboard to cultivate ambitions for the country’s presidency.

As with the presidential elections in February, the first nationwide simultaneous Pilkada is taking place without incident or violence. This type of peaceful elections is becoming a good example for Indonesia.