Jakarta. Megawati Soekarnoputri, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), said PDI-P might back Anies Baswedan for Jakarta governor in 2024, but only if he aligns with the party.

During a meeting with potential regional candidates at the PDI-P headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday, Megawati responded to a banner outside the party office advocating for Anies' candidacy. She questioned whether the party should support Anies if he is not a member of the party.

“I asked Komarudin Watubun, Chairman of PDI-P’s Central Board, if the banner was from our task force. He confirmed that it was. I then asked, ‘Why should I support Anies?’” Megawati recounted.

"Why should I be asked to support Anies Baswedan? If he wants PDI-P's support, he needs to align with the party," Megawati added.

She also expressed frustration with individuals who are now seeking PDI-P’s support for the 2024 elections despite not having contributed to the party’s efforts in the past.

"I find it puzzling why people who have not supported us are now seeking our endorsement. Where were they before?" Megawati added.

The Constitutional Court recently lowered the electoral threshold, allowing parties to nominate candidates without needing a coalition. This change could benefit Anies, who is seeking an unlikely alliance from PDI-P, the only major party yet to announce a candidate for the Jakarta gubernatorial race.

In the 2017 election, Anies, with the help of Prabowo Subianto's Gerindra Party, defeated PDI-P’s candidate, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), in a contentious race that led to Ahok's imprisonment for blasphemy.

Komarudin Watubun said Anies could be considered as PDI-P's candidate for the 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial election, provided he first joins the party as a member

“The decision on who will run will be made by our Chairperson, Megawati Soekarnoputri. We will announce our candidate at the appropriate time,” he assured.

The deadline for candidate registration is Aug. 29.