Jakarta. Twelve political parties have officially endorsed Ridwan Kamil and Suswono as their candidates for Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta in the 2024 regional elections, establishing them as frontrunners in the race for the capital's top positions.

The supporting parties include Gerindra, Golkar, PKS, Nasdem, PKB, PSI, PAN, Demokrat, Garuda, Gelora, Perindo, and PPP. The announcement was made at Hotel Sultan in Jakarta, with Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka present.

"Today, twelve parties have declared Ridwan Kamil and Suswono as their candidates for Jakarta's gubernatorial election," said Gerindra Secretary-General Ahmad Muzani at a press conference. "(Gerindra chairman and President-elect) Prabowo Subianto has reviewed all perspectives and believes Ridwan Kamil and Suswono are well-equipped to address Jakarta’s challenges."

The event also featured key figures from the Coalition for Advanced Indonesia (KIM), including Golkar Secretary-General Lodewijk Paulus, Democrat Secretary-General Teuku Riefky, and PKS President Ahmad Syaikhu.

In contrast, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which holds 15 seats in the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), faces challenges in nominating a candidate due to election laws requiring at least 22 seats. Efforts to form a coalition with the National Awakening Party (PKB) have been complicated by PKB’s support for Ridwan Kamil, making it unlikely for PDIP to present its own candidate.

Ridwan Kamil: A Brief Profile
Ridwan Kamil, born October 4, 1971, in Bandung, West Java, earned his degree in architecture from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and a Master’s in Urban Design from the University of California, Berkeley. He began his career in architecture and founded the firm Urbane. Kamil's political journey started as Mayor of Bandung in 2013, where he implemented smart city initiatives and improved public services. Elected Governor of West Java in 2018, he focused on infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and digital governance.

Suswono: A Brief Overview
Born November 22, 1958, in Kuningan, West Java, Suswono is a former Minister of Agriculture under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and a Master’s in Rural Development from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB). Before politics, he worked in agricultural research and development, contributing his expertise to rural development efforts.