West Kalimantan Gubernatorial Election "Exchange", Senior Politicians Fight for Political Party Tickets

Four senior West Kalimantan politicians registered with a number of political parties to take part in the 2024 regional elections.

PONTIANAK, KOMPAS — During the registration and selection period for candidates for governor of West Kalimantan 2024, a number of senior politicians registered with several political parties. They include, among others, the incumbent Governor of Kalbar Sutarmidji, the incumbent Deputy Governor of West Kalimantan Ria Norsan, Chairman of the DPD PDI-P West Kalimantan Lasarus, and former Regent of Kubu Raya Muda Mahendrawan.

Those four names recently registered with the Regional Leadership Council of the National Mandate Party (DPW PAN) in West Kalimantan. Vice Chairman of DPW PAN Kalbar Edy Faisal stated on Thursday, May 2, 2024, that DPW PAN Kalbar had opened registration for prospective gubernatorial and vice-gubernatorial candidates of West Kalimantan from April 22 to 29, which was the period for form collection. Subsequently, April 30 to May 4 was the period for form submission.

The four names will soon submit their registration forms to the DPW PAN Kalbar. "Sutarmidji and Muda Mahendrawan are scheduled to submit their registration forms on May 2. Then, Ria Norsan will submit her registration form on May 4 and Lasarus on May 3," said Edy.

The official registered names will be submitted to the Central Leadership Council (DPP) of PAN on May 9 during the PAN National Coordination Meeting. The DPP will then conduct an electability survey for the potential candidates for West Kalimantan governor.

KOMPAS/EMANUEL EDI SAPUTRA

Deputy Chairman of DPW PAN West Kalimantan Edy Faisal

Regarding coalition, we have not yet explored it as we are still focused on registering the candidate. PAN holds five seats in the Regional Representative Council of West Kalimantan Province, so we must form a coalition for the 2024 Election.

"We still need an additional eight seats, making a total of 13 seats to nominate gubernatorial candidates. However, whether the coalition will be the same as the 2024 Presidential Election or not, it may be different," he said.

Previously, Sutarmidji, Ria Norsan, Lasarus, and Muda Mahendrawan also registered with the PDI-P. Sutarmidji, Ria Norsan, and Muda Mahendrawan even registered through the Democratic Party.

Also read: Political Parties Start Testing Electability of Candidates for Governor of West Kalimantan

Ria Norsan, one of Golkar's cadre who is also the Head of Golkar Party's Council of Advisors in West Kalimantan, was assigned by Golkar Party along with several other Golkar cadres as a potential gubernatorial candidate. However, this is still in the process within Golkar Party's internal affairs. Sutarmidji has also registered with Golkar Party.

Still dynamic

An instructor at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of Tanjungpura University in Pontianak, Jumadi, stated on Thursday (2/5/2024) that the position of the four individuals depends on the party's central executive board. According to Jumadi, the potential candidate for the 2024 regional head elections will become more streamlined.

He estimates that not many people will participate in the upcoming regional election. It is not impossible that, out of all those who register, the DPP's decision will not support all of them as potential candidates. It is possible that some may be allowed to run, but as a potential deputy governor instead of a governor candidate.

"All political parties will base their choices on survey results. Surveys are the first basis for parties to consider support," said Jumadi.

KOMISI PEMILIHAN UMUM

Proposed Budget for the Implementation of the 2024 General Election and Pilkada from the KPU

Regarding the extent of potential party cadres being chosen to run in regional elections, Jumadi stated that there are many factors involved in such elections. Moreover, in direct elections, parties also think about political costs. Therefore, candidates cannot simply run based on their party cadre status.

All political parties will base their choices on survey results. Surveys are the first basis for parties to consider support.

"Not all party leaders in the regions also dare to run (in the regional elections). It could be that someone who has been elected as a member of the DPR/DPRD has incurred a lot of political costs. "If you run for regional elections, you won't necessarily be elected," said Jumadi.

Also read: West Kalimantan Gubernatorial Election, Incumbents and New Challengers Start Taking Registration Forms