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PDI-P gives Ganjar slap on wrist for breaking ranks over presidential run
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Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo addresses students taking part in a rally to commemorate International Anticorruption Day in Semarang in this undated photo. (JP/Suherdjoko)
T
he ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has reprimanded Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo over his comment last week about his readiness to run for president if given the mandate.
“I made a statement that turned into a much talked-about public discourse, and the party chose to reprimand me for it. As a party member, I accept this disciplinary action," said Ganjar while addressing the press at the party’s headquarters in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday.
The controversy stems from a televised interview last week when the PDI-P politician said that “as long as it’s for the good of the nation, we’re always ready to take on [this mandate to run for president]”. His answer came as a response to various regional branches of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and United Development Party (PPP), which had previously declared their support for Ganjar.
PDI-P secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto and head of the honor council Komarudin Watubun outlined the party’s reasoning for the reprimand. “While [Ganjar’s] actions didn’t violate the party’s rules of association and bylaws [AD/ART], his announcement might be misinterpreted by the public," said Komarudin on Monday.
As a senior party member, Ganjar should have done better in upholding the party’s principles, Komarudin said. In June, chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri stated that the authority to nominate the party’s official presidential candidate lay solely with her, a claim that Hasto reiterated.
"Every party member, without exception, should focus on solving the problems plaguing the nation, while we await the decision from Ibu [Megawati] later on," said Hasto.
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