Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has refuted claims that he played a role in obstructing Anies Baswedan's candidacy for the 2024 gubernatorial elections in Jakarta and West Java.

Jokowi said the decision to nominate candidates is determined by political parties and their coalitions, which operate under their own processes.

"I’ve been accused of many things, including blocking or obstructing," Jokowi said to reporters in East Jakarta on Friday. "But such matters are handled by political parties and their coalitions, each with their own mechanisms."

He further clarified that as he is neither a party leader nor an owner, he lacks the authority to interfere with Anies' candidacy.

"It has nothing to do with me," Jokowi added.

Earlier, Ono Surono, Chairman of the West Java Chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), disclosed that Anies Baswedan's failed candidacy was due to opposition from influential forces.

"Anies Baswedan’s failure to be nominated was due to significant resistance from powerful entities opposing his candidacy," Ono said after registering Jeje Wiradinata and Ronal Surapradja as candidates at the West Java General Elections Commission (KPU) on Friday morning.

Ono expressed confidence in Anies' leadership abilities, noting his successful tenure as Jakarta Governor.

"We believe Anies could effectively address issues in West Java. However, the strong opposition ultimately led to PDI-P's decision not to nominate him," Ono concluded.

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