Papua. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the running mate for presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, arrived at Pharaa Sentani Market in Papua on Friday morning, accompanied by his wife Selvi Ananda, and Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. The trio embarked on an impromptu visit to greet local vendors during their market tour.

This marked Gibran's inaugural campaign in Papua, and the local traders showed enthusiastic support by chanting, "Gibran for a one-round victory!". Throughout the market stroll, President Joko "Jokowi's" oldest son interacted with vendors, purchasing vegetables, sago, betel nuts, and matoa. 

He also distributed books to children and bought an authentic Papua-style bag.

Dradjad Wibowo, a member of the campaign team for Prabowo, is optimistic that the Prabowo-Gibran ticket can exceed the 50 percent + 1 threshold and achieve victory in the 2024 Presidential Election in a single round, even with only 19 days remaining until polling day.

"In terms of reaching that 50 percent plus one, it's getting closer. It's very close; we've already received reports," Dradjad said in Central Jakarta on Thursday (25/1/24).

Dradjad claimed that a significant number of voters in Central Java are beginning to shift their support towards Prabowo-Gibran. The province is a key electorate in the election. 

"Slowly, in several regions, including Central Java, people are starting to switch their votes to us as well," he added.

Dradjad asserted that supporters of President Jokowi who had previously not endorsed Prabowo-Gibran are also joining their camp. He emphasized the importance of continuing the priority work programs initiated by President Jokowi's administration.

A recent survey conducted by the Economics & Political Insight (EPI) Center indicates that Prabowo's electability has reached 50.2 percent. Meanwhile, his rivals Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo stand at 21.3 percent and 20.1 percent each. 

Separately, In the latest poll conducted by Poltracking, 46.9 percent of respondents expressed their intention to vote for Prabowo in the upcoming February 14 election.

In contrast, Ganjar, who was an early favorite, witnessed a significant decline in popularity, dropping from 36.9 percent in March 2023 to 20.2 percent in January 2024. Anies Baswedan, experienced a 5.4-point increase in respondents’ votes, reaching 26.7 percent over the same period.