INDOPOSCO.ID – The political contest ahead of the 2029 presidential election is beginning to take early shape. Interestingly, the spotlight is not on potential presidential candidates, but on who will accompany President Prabowo Subianto as his running mate.
Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio has identified three figures likely to enter the spotlight: Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, and current Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Hendri, widely known as Hensa, believes the race for the vice presidential slot will be far more competitive than the presidential contest itself.
“Prabowo has only one term left, he will finish by 2034, so he needs to be very careful in choosing his running mate. Based on my political intuition, he cannot pick someone from a different political party,” Hensa said in the Newlitics & Helmy Yahya Bicara YouTube podcast, as quoted on Monday (April 6, 2026).
Teddy Indra Wijaya has emerged as one of the figures drawing increasing public attention. In addition to holding a strategic position within the inner circle of power, his frequent public appearances have helped boost his profile.
“Lt. Col. Teddy is also being talked about. Many netizens are mentioning him as a potential candidate to accompany Prabowo,” Hensa explained.
Meanwhile, Dedi Mulyadi is seen as bringing a different kind of strength. His solid support base, particularly in West Java, is considered a significant advantage. However, Hensa noted that his chances will depend on the party’s readiness to become more open.
“In my view, Dedi himself is not an issue. The question is whether Gerindra is ready to become a more open party, as there are also names from the family circle being considered,” he said.
According to Hensa, the most ideal scenario for Dedi would be to remain in the vice presidential slot, accompanying Prabowo.
“That would be ideal. Gerindra loses nothing if Dedi runs, as he is one of their own. Moreover, he is well-liked by the people of West Java, which has a very large voter base,” he added.
Despite this, Dedi’s path to the top job is not seen as easy. Historical factors remain relevant, as few Indonesian presidents have come from a Sundanese background through direct elections.
“Given his current strength, he deserves serious consideration by Prabowo, especially if Prabowo aims to further strengthen Gerindra in 2029,” Hensa said.
Among the three names, Gibran Rakabuming Raka is still viewed as the strongest contender for the vice presidential position.
“Gibran remains the top choice. I would place Dedi second, especially given his alignment with the party,” he said.
However, Hensa cautioned against the possibility of a repeat Prabowo-Gibran pairing in 2029, arguing that it may no longer be the most strategic option.
He suggested that Gibran’s inclusion in the 2024 election was part of a broader strategy to prepare him for a future presidential bid. Keeping him in the vice presidential role again could potentially slow his political trajectory.
“If Prabowo pairs with Gibran again in 2029, it means he is further building Gibran up for a future presidential run,” Hensa said.
He stressed that the long-term objective has been to position Gibran as a future top leader, not merely a running mate.
“Prabowo likely will not need Jokowi’s support to win in 2029, as he will be the incumbent. He will choose a running mate who does not have ambitions that could disrupt his position or Gerindra’s electability,” added the founder of KedaiKOPI survey institute.
Amid these dynamics, one thing is clear: the road to 2029 is not only about who will lead, but also about who will stand beside the seat of power. (her)
