Bobby Nasution: One Party Switch is Enough, Let Me Stay with Gerindra
The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, has stated that he does not wish to switch political parties again and intends to remain with Gerindra. This was conveyed by Bobby during his speech at the Gerindra Party Laskar Training event in Sibolangit, Deli Serdang, on Saturday (3/10).
Initially, Bobby admitted that he should not have been standing at the podium but should have been among the ranks of the training participants, as he is a new cadre in Gerindra. Previously, Bobby was a member of the PDIP, much like his father-in-law, Indonesia’s seventh President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), and his brother-in-law, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
However, the 2024 Legislative, Regional, and Presidential Elections led to his departure from the PDIP, alongside Jokowi and Gibran.
“To be honest, I should be there with all of you, in your ranks. Because I have also just joined (the Gerindra Party),” said Bobby.
During the event, Bobby recounted his political journey prior to joining Gerindra. He was previously a PDIP cadre and won the Medan Mayoralty seat with that party.
However, Bobby stated that he was subsequently dismissed from the party due to his stance during the 2024 Regional and Presidential Elections. In the 2024 Presidential Election, Bobby supported the Prabowo-Gibran pair, who were rivals to the PDIP-backed Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD ticket.
“Previously, I was in another party. For several years I was in my previous party, but I was dismissed, terminated,” explained Bobby.
According to Bobby, the situation had initially caused him some anxiety. However, the Gerindra Party welcomed him with open arms.
Bobby emphasised that he does not want to switch parties again, as he believes he has found the right place to continue his political journey.
“What brought me peace was seeing the cadres and the Gerindra Party opening their arms wide for me. This is my path, and I believe one party switch is enough. Let me stay in the Gerindra Party,” said Bobby.
Bobby believes that the Gerindra Party is the appropriate platform to fight for the nation’s aspirations. He admitted to finding peace when Gerindra opened its doors to him.
“Gerindra is a worthy and appropriate home for us to achieve the aspirations of the Indonesian nation,” he added.
According to Bobby, Gerindra has grown through a long process and the struggles of its cadres. Therefore, he urged the party cadres, led by President Prabowo Subianto as General Chairman, not to stop conducting political work and consolidation to strengthen the party in North Sumatra.
“Gerindra is not a party without struggle, nor is it a party that suddenly became a winner. All of us, including myself, let us make our mark to enlarge the name of Gerindra, at least in North Sumatra,” said Bobby.
Bobby also called on Gerindra cadres in North Sumatra to help oversee and ensure the success of President Prabowo’s programmes. He assessed that government programmes need to be communicated down to the grassroots level so that the benefits can be widely felt.
“We, and all of us, are entrusted to guard not only the party’s good name but also the President’s programmes. The President’s programmes have a significant impact on the lower classes of society, specifically to improve public welfare,” said Bobby.
Bobby encouraged Gerindra North Sumatra to increase consolidation, including bringing together regional heads who are Gerindra cadres on a regular basis. He proposed that such meetings be held at least once a month to align central government programmes with regional implementation.