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PDI-P wants Jokowi’s two cents on Jakarta election
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Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) deputy secretary-general Eriko Sotarduga speaks to journalists after attending a meeting at the home of party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri on Friday. The meeting covered preparations for the 2017 regional elections. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
T
he Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) will take into account the opinions of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who is also a senior party member, in determining its candidate for the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election, a politician has said.
"The President will give his comments about the candidacy. We will discuss his comments at the party's central executive board meeting," PDI-P deputy secretary-general Eriko Sotarduga said on Friday at the home of party chairwoman and former president Megawati Soekarnoputri in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
The party, which has not yet announced a candidate to compete in the regional election next year, has taken careful steps in naming a potential governor for the capital city. Moreover, the party will also look back at its success in catapulting Jokowi from the local to national level following his victory as governor in the 2012 regional election.
Eriko did not deny the possibility of throwing support behind Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, as suggested by several party members, such as secretary-general Hasto Kristianto.
"The scenario of supporting Ahok and Djarot is still possible. We still have enough time to name the candidates before the time to register with the Jakarta General Elections Commission is over," he added.
However, the PDI-P will also highlight support for its own qualified politicians such as Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini, Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas, Semarang Regent Hendrar Prihadi and Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudaytmo. The party would monitor Jakartans’ aspirations before naming a governor candidate, Eriko added.
Top PDI-P politicians met at Megawati's house on Friday afternoon to further discuss preparations and potential candidates for the regional election, scheduled to be held in February next year. (rin)
