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Ali Sadikin’s son quits PDI-P to campaign against Ahok
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Former chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Jakarta, Boy Sadikin (kompas.com/ Indra Akuntono)
T
he former Jakarta leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has turned his back on the party in protest over its decision to endorse incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama in next year’s gubernatorial election.
Boy Sadikin, the son of former Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin, stressed that his decision was not based on religious and or racial sentiment.
“I attended a Catholic school and am friends with many ethnic Chinese people. I resigned, because I disagree with the party's decision, especially due to Ahok's personality and leadership style," said Boy, adding that he had submitted his resignation letter on Thursday.
Boy expressed his wish to join a campaign team of the so-called Kinship Coalition, a group of parties currently in discussions to support a candidate to challenge Ahok in the election, which is to be held in February next year.
On Wednesday, Megawati had used her prerogative right as party chairwoman to endorse Ahok and told the party members to respect her decision.
Boy questioned Megawati’s decision, saying it ignored aspirations at the grassroots of the party. “There are still a lot of potential candidates within the party,” he added.
"I think that such differences may negatively impact the party's solidity and unity in the upcoming election. I don't want to be a burden for PDI-P and hope I can express my aspirations in another party," Boy said.(bbn)
