Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan To Form Supporters’ Organization
In a surprising turn of events, former Jakarta Governor Anies Rasyid Baswedan is reportedly forming an organization to unite his loyal supporters. This news comes on the heels of a meeting between Anies and his political rival, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, at Jakarta City Hall on December 31, 2024.
When asked about this development, Anies remained tight-lipped, simply asking the public to wait for the right time. "Wait for the right moment," Anies told Media Indonesia while at the Pusat Dakwah Hidayatullah building on January 4, 2025.
Anies’ spokesperson, Sahrin Hamid, confirmed the plans for the organization, stating, "Yes, this organization will serve as a platform for all supporters of Anies." The launch is scheduled for this January, though the exact date is yet to be determined.
The two former gubernatorial rivals met at the end of 2024 to attend a government event celebrating Jakarta’s 500th anniversary. In a surprising display of camaraderie, Anies and Ahok spoke warmly and even hinted at a joint project to unveil at the beginning of the new year.
Notably, Anies and Ahok have typically been perceived as political opposites, with tensions rising during the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election when they were candidates. Now, with this seemingly improved relationship, the political landscape in Jakarta could be shifting.