Jakarta. Ahmad Luthfi, the gubernatorial candidate for Central Java from the Coalition for Advanced Indonesia (KIM) Plus, has welcomed the candidacy of his rival, former Army Commander Andika Perkasa, in the upcoming 2024 Regional Election. Luthfi, who will run with Taj Yasin Maimoen, expressed his readiness to engage in healthy competition with the Andika Perkasa-Hendrar Prihadi pair.

"I believe that we should compete by embracing each other, not by confronting," Ahmad said after receiving official support from the Democratic Party at their headquarters on Jalan Proklamasi, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Ahmad, the former police chief in Central Java, will be partnering with Taj Yasin, who is seeking reelection as vice governor in the province.

Luthfi underscored his commitment to ensuring that the democratic process in Central Java remains peaceful and harmonious. He expressed his desire to avoid a harsh, confrontational campaign and instead promote a respectful and cordial environment for the 2024 gubernatorial election.

"We are not creating a contest filled with fierce competition but one of mutual respect, with a spirit of unity and harmony. This way, the election in our region will proceed healthily," emphasized the three-star police general.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has officially announced the Andika Perkasa-Hendrar Prihadi duo as candidates for the 2024 Jateng gubernatorial election.

Ahmad Luthfi is supported by KIM Plus, which includes the Democratic Party, Gerindra, PAN, Golkar, and PSI. Luthfi and Taj Yasin also have backing from the Crescent Star Party (PBB), the Labor Party, the Garda Republik Indonesia Party (Garuda), the National Awakening Party (PKN), and the People's Justice Prosperity Party (Prima).