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Coalition of Gerindra, PDI-P aims to crush long-reigning PKS in Depok mayoral race
Depok is known as a Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) stronghold. From 2006-2016, PKS politician Nur Mahmudi Ismail served as Depok mayor for two terms. The current incumbent, Mohammad Idris, whose term ends in 2021, is also from the PKS.
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Depok residents visit the city square, which was inaugurated a week ago, in Grand Depok on Sunday. (JP/Ricky Yudhistira)
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fter 15 years of reigning supreme in Depok, West Java, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) may have to face the battle alone in the upcoming regional elections as other parties aim to forge a coalition to challenge the Islam-based party and grab the top political spot in the sprawling satellite city.
The PKS has announced its possible candidates in the race, with its very own officials Hafid Nasir, Imam Budi Hartoyono and T. Farida Rachmayanti in the running.
Hafid is the head of the PKS Depok executive board and serves as a councillor at the Depok City Council. Farida also serves as a councillor for the PKS faction in the council, while Imam currently serves as a councillor in the West Java Legislative Council, representing Depok and the Bekasi electoral district.
The three names came out following an internal selection process involving five candidates, Hafid said.
He said that although the party had yet to decide on a deputy, the current three hopefuls would be a reference for further deliberations.
“We are currently following the guidance of the party, which is still processing [the candidates],” Hafid told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
The party could form a coalition with other parties by pairing a non-party deputy candidate with the PKS’ own candidate. Still, it would have to first conduct an internal survey and hear out the opinions of Depok residents.
