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Indonesia is gearing up for the 2024 presidential election, and with that comes speculation about who will run for president and who their running mate will be. 

One name that has been thrown around as a potential vice presidential candidate is Erick Thohir, the current Minister of State-Owned Enterprises. 

With his successful track record in both the private and public sectors, Erick is seen as having the potential to strengthen the electability of any presidential candidate he is paired with.

Erick’s background

Erick Thohir is no stranger to success. He is the founder of the Mahaka Media Group, which owns several major media outlets in Indonesia. 

He is also the owner of the Indonesian football club Persib Bandung and has been a part of the consortium that bought Inter Milan, one of the most successful football clubs in Italy.

In 2018, Erick was appointed as the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises in Joko Widodo’s cabinet. In this role, he has been credited with turning around several state-owned companies, including Garuda Indonesia and Pertamina. 

His success in the public sector has led many to believe that he has what it takes to be a successful vice president.

Electability

In politics, electability is everything. It refers to a candidate’s ability to win an election, based on their popularity and the public’s perception of them. 

While Erick has not yet announced any plans to run for vice president, many believe that his presence on a presidential ticket would increase that ticket’s electability.

One reason for this is Erick’s strong track record in both the private and public sectors. He has been successful in business, sports, and politics, and his reputation as a competent leader precedes him. 

His appointment as Minister of State-Owned Enterprises was seen as a major win for Joko Widodo’s government, and his success in that role has made him a well-known and respected figure in Indonesian politics.

Another reason for Erick’s potential electability as a vice presidential candidate is his ability to appeal to a wide range of voters. He is a well-known figure in the media and sports worlds, and his success in those fields has made him popular among younger voters. 

At the same time, his work in the government has earned him the respect of older voters who prioritize stability and experience.

Potential drawbacks

Despite his many strengths, there are also potential drawbacks to having Erick as a vice presidential candidate. One of the biggest concerns is that he has never held elected office before. 

While his success in the private and public sectors is impressive, it remains to be seen how well he would perform in a political campaign and in the role of vice president.

Another potential drawback is his lack of experience in foreign policy. As Indonesia becomes increasingly involved in regional and global politics, it will be important for the vice president to have a strong understanding of international affairs. 

While Erick has some experience in this area through his ownership of Inter Milan, it is not clear if he has the expertise needed to navigate the complex world of foreign policy.

Conclusion

Overall, the potential for Erick Thohir to be a strong vice presidential candidate is clear. His success in business and politics, combined with his popularity among a wide range of voters, makes him an attractive choice for any presidential ticket. 

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However, it remains to be seen if he will actually be selected as a running mate, and if he is, how well he will perform on the campaign trail and in office. 

As with any political candidate, there are both strengths and weaknesses to consider, and voters will ultimately decide whether or not he is the right person for the job.