Speaking to journalists after witnessing the disbursement of a non-cash assistance program in Jombang, East Java, on Friday, Khofifah, who is also head of Muslimat NU, the women’s wing of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), asked all parties to be patient.

“Please be patient. At the right time, I will surely announce [my nomination in the East Java gubernatorial election]. It will be [announced] soon,” said Khofifah at the Ploso district’s meeting hall, Jombang.

The minister refused to give more details on the parties that would support her nomination in the gubernatorial election.

It is predicted that Khofifah could become an equal competitor to East Java deputy governor Saifullah Yusuf, who earlier declared his nomination in the election on the National Awakening Party‘s (PKB) ticket.

Apart from Saifullah and Khofifah, East Java-chapter Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman La Nyalla Mattalitti is another figure who reportedly plans to run for East Java governor. The Soccer Association of Indonesia’s (PSSI) former chairman has conveyed his readiness to run in the election and is still searching for parties ready to support his nomination.

Widely supported to run in the election, Surabaya mayor Tri Rismaharini has stated since the very beginning she is not interested in competing for the seat. Risma said she wanted to remain concentrated on developing Surabaya. (ebf)

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