Megawati to run in 2009 presidential election

The first salvo has been fired for the 2009 presidential election with Megawati declaring another shot for the presidency. It seems that the 'silent president' wants the post so badly. After all, her presidential term was never ratified by the nation. Well, Indonesia has rejected her the first time round in favour of SBY. Maybe we will see a rematch between the two.

It is really interesting that she would declare her intention so early with two years to go. Perhaps, with the verdict on SBY's presidency still unclear, this could prove to be a masterstroke by distracting SBY from his presidency to his future in Indonesian politics.

On the side note, the Jakarta Post reported that Jusuf Kalla, Vice President and the Golkar Party chairman, congratulated her on the campaign bid. Will we see the PDI-P and Golkar forming a coalition in 2009 after the failure in 2004 ? Will Jusuf Kalla himself launch his own presidential bid ? What about the perennial dark horses (Amien Rais and the rest) ? What about SBY himself ?

So many unknowns right now, but all will be clear as we head into 2008.
Let's hope the 2009 presidential election will shape up to its potential.
Let the show begin.


SBY - The incumbent who has yet to make his mark on his presidency


Megawati - former president looking for another shot at presidency


Jusuf Kalla - Vice President waiting for his turn in the highest office