REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has officially declared Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) and Djarot Saiful Hidayat as their candidate of Jakarta gubernatorial election 2017.
The decision also broke the rumor saying PDIP would appoint Tri Rismaharini to run for Jakarta governorship.
PDIP secretary general Hasto Kristyanto said Ahok, Djarot, and all candidates for the next regional election for mayor nor governor were representing the party ideology and people's aspiration.
Ahok and Djarot planned to register their candidacy for the Jakarta election on Wednesday (9/21).
Meanwhile, according to Ray Rangkuti as executive director of Lingkar Madani untuk Indonesia (LIMA), Ahok's electability has established around 50 percent. "For PDIP, this is the most realistic and strategic step," he said to Republika.co.id.
Ray said it was a lot more risky for PDIP to go with another alternative, such as Tri Rismaharini. He doubted Tri Rismaharini would be able to beat Ahok in gaining vote.
PDIP currently holds the majority of seats in the Jakarta Regional Representatives Council. In the other hands, a couple months ago, Ahok has gained support from the National Democratic Party (Nasdem), People's Conscience Party (Hanura), and the Golkar Party.
Previously, Ahok planned to run for governship as independent with Teman Ahok, a non-party group.
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