Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, has decided not to run in the 2024 West Java gubernatorial election upon careful consideration, including discussions with his family and seeking divine guidance (istiqarah).
“I have decided to support my friends who will be running in the West Java regional elections,” Sandiaga wrote on his personal X account on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Sandiaga expressed gratitude for the various aspirations and encouragements he received to participate in the 2024 regional elections in West Java.
“This offer is a great honor for me, and I deeply appreciate the trust that has been given,” he said.
Sandiaga was earlier tipped to be nominated by the National Awakening Party (PKB) for the West Java governorship race.
Maman Imanulhaq, Deputy Secretary of the Syuro (Patron) Council of PKB, however, said that since the Constitutional Court opened the possibility for regional election nominations, PKB had offered Sandiaga Uno as a potential candidate for governor of West Java. However, Sandiaga’s response was perceived as delayed.
“Sandiaga Uno responded a bit late, which led the Chairman of the (West Java) Chapter of PKB (DPW) to communicate with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and have discussions with figures like Dedi Mulyadi,” Maman said.
He added that PKB is still in talks with other political parties regarding the nomination for the West Java gubernatorial election. They are maintaining good communication with PDI-P and the Coalition of Onward Indonesia.
Meanwhile, PDI-P has yet to decide on a candidate for the regional elections. Names like Anies Baswedan and Susi Pudjiastuti have surfaced as potential candidates for governor.
