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Jakarta gubernatorial candidates vow to unite Jakarta
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Jakarta General Elections Commission chairman Sumarno (left) and the gubernatorial candidates signed a declaration committing themselves to a peaceful campaign at the National Monument in Central Jakarta on Oct. 29. (Antara/Rosa Panggabean)
Jakarta’s gubernatorial candidates have promised to uphold diversity and peace during the 2017 election campaign.
The candidates visited the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta with their families on Saturday and declared publicly their desire for a clean campaign.
Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and his running mate Sylviana Murni said they were committed to following the rules outlined by the Jakarta General Elections Commission and to refrain from engaging in smear campaigns.
“Jakarta is a melting-pot city. We want Jakarta to be open to difference. Jakarta belongs to all of us, not just the middle-class,” Agus told journalists.
Supporters of Agus-Sylvi flocked to the location, dressed in black shirts and caps, while occasionally shouting “Agus-Slyvi, one!” referring to the pair’s ballot number for the election.
Agus’ wife Annisa Pohan and his younger brother Edhie “Ibas” Baskoro were also seen at the event.
Anies Baswedan arrived next on a classic Vespa, accompanied by his two children, followed by his running pair Sandiaga Uno and their supporters wearing white T-shirts.
Meanwhile, incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama and his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat were decked out in their trademark checkered shirts.
The peaceful rally was enlivened by parades featuring election-themed floats. The parade started from Monas and continued on to Jl. MH Thamrin and Hotel Indonesia traffic circle before circling back to Monas.
The rally marked the start of the campaign period, set to take place from Oct. 28 to Feb 11, 2017. (win/rin)
