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Jokowi likely to pick either Kalla or Akbar: Freedom
Research institute Freedom Foundation predicts the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which nominated Jakarta Governor Joko âJokowiâ Widodo as its presidential candidate will likely choose Golkar figures, Akbar Tandjung and Jusuf Kalla, as vice presidential candidates
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esearch institute Freedom Foundation predicts the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which nominated Jakarta Governor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo as its presidential candidate will likely choose Golkar figures, Akbar Tandjung and Jusuf Kalla, as vice presidential candidates.
'The decision on either of the two scenarios will in the hands of PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, however,' Freedom Foundation director Darmawan Sinayangsah on Sunday as quoted by Antara news agency.
Citing results of a Freedom Foundation survey, Jokowi-Kalla ticket was supported by 40.6 percent of respondents while the remaining 34.1 percent of respondents preferred the Jokowi-Akbar.
The survey, which comprised 1,090 respondents across Indonesia was conducted from March 31 to April 7 with a confidence level of 95 percent.
The survey further revealed that if paired with National Mandate Party chairman Hatta Rajasa, Jokowi would secure 24 percent of the vote but might get only 11.5 percent of vote if he takes former Army chief of staff Gen. (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu as his running mate.
Darmawan said each of the two Golkar members had positive qualities but had their respective weaknesses as well. Kalla, for instance, was quite popular as a businessman and politician, he said.
If nominated as Jokowi's vice presidential candidate, Kalla who is backed by the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) would potentially become a 'twin' of the sun for the presidential candidate.
'Pak JK failed in his presidential bid in 2009 . Hence, he may feel a sense of demotion if he is to run for vice president,' said Darmawan.
Meanwhile, Akbar is a senior political that has pursued careers in various organizations and held several ministerial posts at different times.
'Akbar has a 'Islamic credibility ', which means he would be a valuable asset to Jokowi as a running mate,' said Darmawan. He further explained that with his 'Islamic credibility', Akbar could potentially attract widespread support from both nationalists and Islamists. (ebf)
