Rieke to run for West Java governor

Actress turned politician Rieke Dyah Pitaloka will run for West Java governor, according to her close aide.

Rieke’s assistant Rully Fachrialsyah said Monday he was appointed by Rieke to retrieve a registration form for the West Java governor candidacy.

The West Java branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) is selecting its West Java gubernatorial candidates.

“I’ve been appointed by Ibu [Mrs] Rieke to request a registration form,” Rully said at the PDIP office in Bandung as quoted by tempo.co.

Rully said that Rieke had decided to take the form in answer to the party’s proposal.

“She has felt that the party has appointed her, so as a party cadre, she is willing to run [for the candidacy],” Rully said.

Rully added that Rieke had appointed him because of various health reasons.

“She is expecting to deliver a baby in about three months, but she will submit the form by herself later this week,” he said.

PDIP West Java deputy secretary Rohman Mulyana confirmed Rieke’s candidacy, saying that Rieke was the sixth out of seven party candidates to accept the registration form. (swd)