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Jokowi touts 'white-haired' sucsessor to secure legacy
After hinting at backing Prabowo and Airlangga at separate events this month, the President has made a not-too-subtle statement to his supporters indicating his preference for Ganjar to carry on his legacy.
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Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (right) speaks in front of students taking part in an event on Dec. 8, 2019 in Semarang to commemorate International Anticorruption Day. (JP/Suherdjoko)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has sent his strongest signal of endorsement yet for Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, telling thousands of his supporters in a stadium address to vote for a “white-haired” leader in 2024, a clear reference to his fellow Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician.
“Vote for leaders who are willing to get down and dirty, those who are willing to put themselves in the shoes of the people,” Jokowi said.
“These characteristics are reflected in their appearance, such as too many wrinkles out of their concern for the people,” he continued, instructing the crowd to consider candidates whose hair had turned white from caring “so much about the people”.
Many saw Jokowi’s comments as a not-so-subtle nod to the silver-haired Ganjar, who frequently tops public opinion surveys on potential presidential candidates for 2024.
Jokowi’s remarks came only days after the two politicians made a blusukan (impromptu visit) to Colomadu market in Karanganyar, a regency bordering Jokowi’s birthplace of Surakarta to the east.
While the President has previously appeared to lend his support to other presidential hopefuls, including Gerindra Party leader Prabowo Subianto and Golkar Party chairman Airlangga Hartarto, his tacit endorsement of Ganjar was made in front of thousands of his supporters, with his electoral muscle on full display.
