Headline:
Former Jakarta Governors Ahok and Anies Hint at Political Surprise in 2025
Byline:
Hafizh Anwar | J Jakarta, Dec 31, 2024
Article:
Two former governors of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok, and Anies Baswedan, have hinted at a political surprise in 2025. Both have asked all parties to wait for their "main event" date.
Ahok and Anies, who were bitter rivals in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election and the 2024 Indonesian legislative and presidential elections, shared this information after attending an event at Jakarta City Hall on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (Dec 31, 2024). They appeared to be on good terms, whispering to each other during the event, and were seen laughing and smiling together.
When asked what they had discussed during their whispered conversation, neither former governor wished to reveal the details. "Pak Ahok, what did you whisper about? I’ll tell you what I whispered…," said Anies humorously, putting his arm around Ahok.
Ahok then responded, refusing to divulge what he had whispered to his former rival. "Wait until next month," Ahok said, moving closer to Anies.
"Wait, wait for our ‘main event’ date. You’ve been told to wait, so just wait," added Anies, grinning.
Anies also discussed his current relationship with Ahok. He stated that despite their differing political stances in previous elections, they now maintain a cordial relationship. "You’re the ones causing the tension," Anies said, still smiling.
Former Jakarta governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat also joined in, hinting at a surprise in the coming year. "There’s a surprise in store for next year. You’ll see," Djarot said.
The event, themed "Jakarta’s Hope Aboard", was a New Year’s Eve celebration organized by the Jakarta Provincial Government. In attendance were not only the aforementioned former governors and vice governors, but also the leading gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates of the 2024 elections, including Pramono Anung, Rano Karno, Suswono, and Kun Wardana.
All present were clad in batik attire, while the acting governor, Teguh Setyabudi, donned a traditional Betawi shirt. Upon their arrival at the City Hall’s pendopo, they were greeted with food and had a group photo taken before proceeding to their meal.
