Avid marathoner, Metallica fan Ganjar Pranowo going on run of his life to become Indonesia’s next president
He then studied law at Yogyakarta University of Gadjah Mada and developed a love for being active in organisations.
As a student, he participated in numerous protests, including one to protest the evictions of residents for a local reservoir project.
However, he told CNA that he realised he needed to be in the system to institute real change.
Therefore, he joined PDI-P in 1992, which was then just known as PDI.
In 1996, PDI experienced internal conflicts, which led to the establishment of two factions.
One was headed by politician Soerjadi, backed by the Suharto government, and the other by Mdm Megawati which eventually became PDI-P.
Mr Ganjar stuck with Mdm Megawati and a few years later became a legislator and subsequently Central Java’s governor with her blessings.
Nevertheless, when Mr Ganjar said in October last year that he was ready to run for the presidency, he was forced to apologise.
It was said that Mdm Megawati did not like him jumping the gun as she is the decision-maker at PDI-P.
She was reportedly also still hoping then for her daughter, house speaker Puan Maharani, to be the party’s presidential candidate.
Yet, Mr Ganjar – who like Jokowi is a Metallica fan – became the party’s sole presidential candidate.
Despite most polls showing him lagging behind Mr Prabowo, will Mr Ganjar be Indonesia’s second Metallica fan president?
“God willing, we are optimistic because we have prepared all troops with strength from the political parties and the volunteers,” he told CNA.
“And remember, there are still many people who have not yet decided, and this is what we are currently working on continuously.”
Source: CNA