Jakarta. Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo claimed on Saturday that a lavish lifestyle is not his thing, saying he grew up in a family who lived paycheck to paycheck every month.

"I’m the son of a retired first lieutenant of the police, who had to borrow money every month and spend his entire paycheck on the debt taken the previous month. We the children eventually had to settle our parents’ debt," Ganjar told his supporters during a gathering in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.

"So we never lived in luxury surroundings, not even remotely," he added.

But he said he learned from his father about patriotism and how to live a disciplined life.

"We were ordered to polish his shoes and brasses every morning. I still know how to do a perfect shoeshine,” Ganjar said.

The Central Java Governor is nominated for president by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which recently got support from the United Development Party (PPP) and the United Indonesia Party (Perindo).

He also wins the backing of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who analysts said will play a crucial role as the kingmaker in the 2024 elections.

Ganjar recalled the moment when PDI-P Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri announced his candidacy on April 21, saying he was “stunned” because “like you all, I’m just an ordinary person”.

The PDI-P is slated to announce the running mate for Ganjar later this month, but the party so far managed to keep the candidate in secrecy.

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