Daniel A. Fajri, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo or Jokowi allowed mayors and ministers running in the 2024 presidential election to remain in their current positions. This is stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 53 of 2023 dated November 21, which takes effect on the same date.
Based on a copy of the PP obtained by Tempo, Article 31 (1) and (2) regulate that ministers and ministerial-level officials, as well as governors, deputy governors, regents, deputy regents, mayors, and deputy mayors, may join campaign programs as long as they are registered as the election participants with the General Elections Commission (KPU).
Three pairs of candidates are ready to vie in the upcoming presidential race. They are a politician Anies Baswedan and the House Deputy Speaker Muhaimin Iskandar; Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka; and a PDIP politician Ganjar Pranowo and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md.
"What is allowed and what is not allowed are very clear [in the PP]," Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said at the Ministry of State Secretary's Office, Merdeka Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday, November 24.
It is also stated in PP No. 53 of 2023 signed by Jokowi on Nov. 21, that they are allowed to take one day off every week to conduct election campaign activities. The procedures are regulated in Article 35.