Jakarta. The Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party Secretary General Ahmad Muzani announced the party's decision to nominate Central Java Police Chief Ahmad Luthfi as their candidate for the 2024 Central Java gubernatorial election.

Muzani explained that this decision came after Gerindra's Central Java Chapter Chairman Sudaryono withdrew his candidacy. Sudaryono was appointed by President Joko Widodo as Deputy Minister of Agriculture.

“Luthfi was chosen because he is the Central Java Police Chief and has served there for a long time. He understands the region well and is prepared for this role,” Muzani said at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday.

“Meanwhile, Sudaryono, a young leader, has been tasked as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, making it impossible for him to handle both major responsibilities simultaneously,” Muzani added.

Muzani emphasized the strategic importance of Central Java for Gerindra. He believes Ahmad Luthfi’s experience as police chief makes him the ideal candidate to lead the province.

“Central Java is crucial in terms of agriculture. Our campaign will focus on agricultural issues and food security, and Luthfi’s experience and understanding are expected to advance the province,” he said.

Muzani also mentioned that discussions about the vice governor candidate are still in the early stages.

“We have not yet detailed discussions on the vice governor candidate. Several names are being considered, but the final decision will be made based on needs and developments,” Muzani said.

Previously, National Democrat (Nasdem) Party Chairman Surya Paloh announced his full support for Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) leader Kaesang Pangarep in the 2024 Central Java governor election. 

Meanwhile, Golkar Party Secretary General Lodewijk F. Paulus suggested a ticket featuring Ahmad Luthfi and Kaesang for the gubernatorial election. However, no official decision has been made since Ahmad Luthfi is still an active police officer. 

A recent Kompas Research and Development survey showed Kaesang Pangarep and Ahmad Luthfi leading in electability for the Central Java gubernatorial race, with 7 percent and 6.8 percent of the vote, respectively. Other candidates in the survey included Taj Yasin Maimoen (3.2 percent), Raffi Ahmad (2.8 percent), Dico Ganinduto (2.6 percent), Bibit Waluyo (2.4 percent), Hendrar Prihadi (2 percent), Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori (1.2 percent), Bambang Wuryanto (1.2 percent), and Sudirman Said (0.8 percent).

Here are the candidates announced by Gerindra on Monday:

1. Aceh Governor: Muzakir Manaf
2. East Nusa Tenggara Governor: Emmanuel Melkias Laka Lena
3. Maluku Governor: Hendrik Lewarissa
4. Central Kalimantan Governor and Deputy Governor: Agustiar Sabran and Edy Pratowo
5. Central Java Governor: Irjen Pol Ahmad Luthfi
6. South Sulawesi Governor and Deputy Governor: Andi Sudirman and Fatmawati Rusdi