Juan Ardya Guardiola, Johnny Johan Sompotan, Jakarta – With the 2024 Regional Elections approaching in November, political parties are actively seeking the endorsement of celebrity couple Raffi Ahmad and Nagita Slavina, who command a massive following of 76 million on Instagram.
Raffi Ahmad disclosed that he has yet to decide whether to enter the upcoming election.
"When it comes to politics, I have never ruled anything out, but right now I am still weighing my options," said Raffi Ahmad in South Jakarta on Monday.
Raffi Ahmad believes he needs more time to prepare himself before fully committing to politics, aiming to ensure he can serve the community effectively if elected as deputy governor.
Previously, Raffi was considered for the Central Java gubernatorial election, and his image was once displayed in West Java, hinting at a possible candidacy there.
"If it's what the people want, I'm honored. However, for now, it's best for me to remain calm because the election process is lengthy," Raffi added.
Raffi Ahmad is currently supporting his family and close relatives planning to participate in the elections. He endorses musician Ritchie "Jeje Govinda" Ismail for West Bandung regent and comedian Marshel Widianto for South Tangerang mayor.
Regarding his wife, proposed by the National Awakening Party (PKB) as a candidate for vice governor of North Sumatra alongside President Joko Widodo's son-in-law, Bobby Nasution, in the 2024 North Sumatra gubernatorial election, Raffi said, "We appreciate the consideration, but we haven't discussed this matter yet."
Raffi and Nagita are not aligned with any political party, but during the 2024 Presidential Election, they supported Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who were elected president and vice president.
PKB Vice Chairman Jazilul Fawaid proposed Nagita Slavina due to her significant social media following, suggesting she could enhance electability. "Nagita's persona also fits the criteria desired by Bobby's coalition party, particularly as a female figure," he noted.
However, this proposal requires deliberation by PKB and all coalition parties in North Sumatra. "We will evaluate further. PKB is proposing a female candidate to join Bobby," Jazilul said.
PKB formally endorsed Bobby Nasution as the North Sumatra gubernatorial candidate. Following PKB's endorsement, Bobby and the coalition are seeking a suitable vice governor candidate.