Jakarta. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri reportedly has eight names in mind for the Jakarta gubernatorial race.

According to Senior PDI-P politician Eriko Sotarduga, among the potential candidates are Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini, former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, former Indonesian Military Commander General (Ret.) Andika Perkasa, former Jakarta Governor Djarot Syaiful Hidayat, and former Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi (Hendi).

Eriko also mentioned the possibility of younger politicians being nominated by PDI-P for the Jakarta election. One notable young politician is Aryo Seno Bagaskoro. The 22-year-old was a spokesman for Ganjar Pranowo's campaign team in the 2024 Presidential Election.

"Maybe even Mas Seno, a young figure. Don’t say it's impossible," he said on Friday.

Eriko hinted at two more candidates but did not reveal their names, suggesting potential surprises in PDIP’s lineup.

"Two more names I won't mention. They could be surprises," said Eriko.

Previously, PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto also indicated that Megawati had eight names ready for the Jakarta gubernatorial race, though he did not disclose them.

"Many names have emerged, almost around eight. Many prominent figures are already on Bu Megawati Soekarnoputri's list," Hasto said in Jakarta on Monday.

Apart from PDIP's candidates, other parties are also discussing potential candidates for Jakarta governor. Former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil has emerged as a strong contender for the 2024 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election, having received support from the National Mandate Party (PAN), Golkar, and the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party.

Additionally, National Democratic (Nasdem) Party Treasurer Ahmad Sahroni and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan are also considered potential candidates. Anies, who lost to Prabowo in the February 14 presidential election, is widely expected to seek re-election in Jakarta.

Independent candidate Dharma Pongrekun will also compete in the 2024 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election. Dharma is a retired police officer who last served as a policy analyst at the National Police Education and Training Institute and held the position of Deputy Head of the National Cyber and Encryption Agency.

Indonesia will hold simultaneous elections for governors, mayors, and regents across the country on November 27.

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