Former presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo has chosen to be on the opposing side against the government of President and Vice president-elect Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Ganjar made the declaration during the post-Ramadhan Halal Bihalal gathering in Jakarta on Monday, May 6, 2024 as reported by detik.com. The event was attended by his then running mate Mahfud MD and members the Ganjar-Mahfud National Election Winning Team (TPN).

The gathering began with Ganjar and Mahfud announcing the dissolution of TPN Ganjar-Mahfud. The pair declared that the task of TPN Ganjar-Mahfud had been completed.

"My greetings to friends and by saying Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), we terminate all TPN activities and some people will still continue," Ganjar said

He expressed his gratitude to all parties in TPN Ganjar-Mahfud who had helped his presidential bid in the Feb. 14 election. Ganjar said he was proud to be surrounded by great people.

"By saying thank God, we express our gratitude. Of course, pak Mahfud and I feel proud that there are great people behind me and in front of me, of course, who have been fighting for democracy and truth together," he said.

Opposition declaration

Ganjar then declared that he would not join the Prabowo-Gibran government, while emphasizing that he would exercise control over the government.

"I declare, first, I will not join this government, but I really respect this government, and we will exercise control in the right way," he said.

Ganjar said being inside or outside the government is equally honorable, suggesting that there should not be sneering attitude between the two opposing sides.

He maintained that he would criticize the government through the House of Representatives (DPR). He added that voicing criticism through the DPR is a good way to control the government.