Observer Identifies Two Criteria for Prabowo's 2029 Vice Presidential Running Mate

Political analyst Hendri Satrio (Hensa) believes there are two potential criteria that President Prabowo Subianto might consider when selecting his running mate for the 2029 Presidential Election. These criteria involve choosing a figure from his own party, Gerindra, or selecting a non-partisan figure who lacks significant political ambition, thereby allowing them to focus on governance.

“In my view, he might choose a figure from his own party, Gerindra, or a non-party figure who does not possess great political ambition so that they can focus on working,” said the founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

“The Chief of National Police could potentially be taken as Prabowo’s running mate, which could be a strong reason why Listyo Sigit is currently irreplaceable as Police Chief. Meanwhile, regarding Cabinet Secretary Teddy, he is clearly a loyalist and understands Prabowo well, and Amran is one of the ministers who frequently receives praise from Prabowo,” he added.

Alternatively, the other option is to select a running mate from his own party, Gerindra. According to Hensa, choosing a party cadre could ensure that the electoral benefits of Prabowo’s administration continue to flow to Gerindra leading up to 2034.

“Why do I mention Gerindra? Because I am confident Prabowo will grow Gerindra to fight further in 2034. If he chooses a figure from another party, it means he is growing another party,” said Hensa.

He assessed that Prabowo has many potential figures to choose from to accompany him without having to worry about the political ambitions of each individual.

“Within Gerindra, there are figures such as Foreign Minister Sugiono, who is also the Secretary-General of Gerindra; Sudaryono, who currently serves as the Head of the National Nutrition Agency; Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono; and he could also choose the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, whose mass base is also significant,” he said.

Hensa noted that Prabowo’s decision in determining a vice-presidential candidate for 2029 will have long-term political consequences, extending even to the 2034 contest. Therefore, from a political calculation standpoint, choosing a non-partisan figure or someone from his own party could be considered safer for Prabowo.

“Ultimately, I am certain that Mr Prabowo will not allow himself to grow any party other than Gerindra, because choosing from another party is equivalent to growing someone else’s party, which, if elected and serving, could become part of the opposition before the administration’s term even ends,” he concluded.