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Agus could become serious rival to Ahok
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Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf)
A
lthough Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono is a newcomer to the political scene, other candidates should not dismiss his nomination as a gubernatorial candidate because he could become a strong candidate, particularly with his father’s influence, a political analyst has said.
Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) survey program director Sirojudin Abbas said in Jakarta on Monday that former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono still had many supporters, who would be likely to support Agus in the 2017 gubernatorial election.
He warned incumbent Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama and Anies Baswedan to take Agus seriously.
“I think Agus is a serious challenger for Ahok. For the last three days, Agus has several times made public appearances, which is good for him as a candidate. The general public is still surprised and curious about Agus,” Sirojudin told The Jakarta Post on Monday, adding that he also had an outstanding academic and career record.
“Most importantly, Agus bears a political legacy from his father, who still has wide support among the public,” Sirojudin.
Two of the four political parties that support him – the United Development Party and the National Awakening Party – have close relations with Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in the country, which could contribute votes to Agus, who is paired with Sylviana Murni, a senior city bureaucrat.
Two other parties that support Agus are the Democratic Party and the National Mandate Party. (bbn)
