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Ahok preparing for debate with Risma
Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama is preparing for a debate with Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini should the latter be nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) to challenge him in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election.
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Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini is all smiles during a meeting with her fellow female mayors during a meeting of Asia Pacific Mayors in Surabaya, East Java, on July 24. (Antara/Zabur Karuru)
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overnor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama is preparing for a debate with Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini should the latter be nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) to challenge him in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election.
“I want the debate to be healthy where the candidates can compare programs. As an example, there are people who question why Jakarta still can’t have good sidewalks,” Ahok said at City Hall on Thursday, adding that development in Jakarta needed more time and a longer process than development in Surabaya.
“I will tell residents that Surabaya is only the size of South Jakarta, while the Jakarta administration also needs to manage North, Central and West Jakarta,” he added.
The PDI-P is still considering who it will support for the election. Among the strongest candidates are Risma and Ahok. Risma earlier rejected the nomination, but later hinted that she might accept it if the party nominated her.
Ahok recognized Risma’s good performance record in managing Surabaya by noting that Risma had succeeded in renovating sidewalks in the city, whereas Jakarta was still struggling in that area. Furthermore, Ahok noted Risma was a well-experienced figure. Before becoming mayor of Surakarta, Risma worked as a civil servant for the Surabaya Development Planning Board.
If regional leaders with good performance records join the election, residents of Jakarta can compare the programs and enjoy a healthy and educated debate, Ahok said. (bbn)
