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Agus-Sylvi’s volunteers support incumbent
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Losing Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (center) stands among his supporters at the declaration of Friends of Agus-Sylvi volunteer group on Nov. 16, 2016 during the campaigning period for the first round election. (kompas.com/Alsadad Rudi)
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akarta's incumbent gubernatorial candidate received endorsements from the volunteers of losing pair Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Sylviana Murni, as well as a number of politicians from the Democratic Party on Monday.
The volunteers, calling themselves Gerasi, declared their support to Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama and Djarot Saiful Hidayat because "Ahok is a leader who is firm, transparent and consistent in eradicating corruption. His work is real. That is clear to us," said Gerasi's chief Hendra Surachmat, claiming that the organization had dozens of thousands of members in the capital.
"The other [contending pair] only brings promises. The [incumbent] pair has given proof of their work. Actions speak louder than words," Hendra said.
The Gerasi volunteers were accompanied by several Dems' politicians, including the party's supervisory board secretary Ajeng Ratna Suminar, during the declaration in Central Jakarta.
Ajeng echoed Hendra, saying that Ahok and Djarot had "been tested".
She further said that her choice in supporting Ahok and Djarot had been acknowledged by the Democratic Party as it gave freedom to its members to choose any candidate.
Responding to the declaration, Ahok thanked the volunteers before asking them to carry out some tasks.
"Because you are volunteers, you must be observers of your surroundings, families and neighbors. If you find people who need help, including those who don't have a Jakarta Smart Card or a Jakarta Health Card, report it [to us]," Ahok said referring to the city’s welfare programs.
(Read also: SBY’s party undecided on supporting Ahok or Anies)
