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Another PD politician backs Jokowi
The head of the Democratic Partyâs (PD) East Kalimantan chapter, Isran Noor, has pledged his support for presidential candidate Joko âJokowiâ Widodo
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The head of the Democratic Party's (PD) East Kalimantan chapter, Isran Noor, has pledged his support for presidential candidate Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo.
"I've decided to support [Jokowi]. That is my political right," he told reporters who contacted him from Cirebon, West Java, on Wednesday.
Isran said he was ready to face punishment from the Democratic Party's central executive board for his decision, if there was any.
Democratic Party chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono earlier said the party would remain neutral ahead the July 9 presidential race, but many of the party's executives have joined Prabowo Subianto's camp and suggested that the rival of Jokowi was the party's preferred candidate.
"I am waiting for my dismissal, if this is considered illegal," he said.
Democratic Party executive Didi Irawadi Syamsuddin said he respected Isran's decision. "Our party's stance remains neutral. As an individual, Isran has the right to support his preferred candidate," he said.
Isran is also regent of East Kutai in East Kalimantan and the chairman of the Indonesian Regency Administration Association.
However, Isran said his decision to support Jokowi did not reflect the political stance of the association.
His vast network is believed to have the potential to significantly add to Jokowi's support.
Isran previously appeared as a supporter of Prabowo. When asked about his zigzagging political moves, he said, "Politics is dynamic. I have my own calculations."
In Cirebon, Jokowi refused to comment on the issue. "Ask [my campaign] team," he said while smiling.
Isran was in Cirebon as part of his six-day tour to West Java and Central Java.
Other Democratic Party executives who earlier decided to support Jokowi include State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan, North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang and Lt. Gen. (ret.) Suaedy Marassabessy.
