Chairman of the National Democratic (NasDem) Party, Surya Paloh, has announced their support for Ilham Akbar Habibie to run in the West Java gubernatorial election.
Ilham, the son of Indonesia’s third president, BJ Habibie, received the mandate directly from Surya Paloh at the NasDem headquarters.
“Today, the Executive Board of NasDem Party has determined the significance of your presence as a candidate for governor or deputy governor for West Java Province,” Surya Paloh told a press conference on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Surya Paloh expressed confidence that Ilham, known as a scientist and company executive, is the right and capable figure to become a leader in West Java. He believes Ilham has the experience and vision to advance the province. However, Surya did not specify whether Ilham would run for governor or deputy governor.
Surya said that NasDem has several criteria in determining which candidates to endorse. He assured that the recommendation for Ilham was not solely based on his background and the NasDem family’s close relationship with BJ Habibie.
“We also have full confidence in your abilities, capacity, and professionalism, which are sufficient to lead West Java,” Surya said.
Surya said that NasDem would follow up on their support for Ilham through the formation of a strategic coalition, though he did not provide detailed information about the further discussions with the coalition.
He expressed hope that the support for Ilham would yield maximum results in the West Java gubernatorial election. Saan Mustopa, chairman of the West Java chapter of NasDem Party, highlighted West Java’s strategic importance due to its numerous strategic industries.
“Pak Ilham has the competence for this, so he can bring West Java to progress as the gateway of Indonesia,” Saan said.
The endorsement of Ilham Akbar Habibie by the NasDem Party highlights their confidence in his capabilities and vision for West Java. The support from NasDem and the potential formation of strategic coalitions could play a crucial role in the upcoming regional election.
A number of names have been tipped as candidatates for the West Java govership. Besides Ilham, former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil and his former deputy Uu Ruzhanul Ulum are reported to contest the 2024 West Java gubernatorial election.
