REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA --  Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary general Hasto Kristiyanto said Indonesian Working Coalition (KIK) has appointed former West Java deputy governor Deddy Mizwar "Demiz" as one of the spokespersons of national campaign team for pair of incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) - KH Ma’ruf Amin. According to Hasto, the move was part of strategy to raise support and also an effort to increase the effectiveness of the campaign team.

“So we have decided that Mr. Deddy will be one of national campaign team spokespersons for Jokowi and Kiai Ma’ruf,” said Hasto at KIK Media Center, Jakarta, on Tuesday (August 28).

Hasto assessed Demiz was selected due to his extensive experience and excellent political communication skills. In addition, KIK also considered Demiz's background which focused on arts and culture.

Hasto also claimed Demiz has accepted the offer. He said did not question Demiz who once had signed an integrity pact of support to the pair of candidate promoted by Democratic Party in 2019 presidential election. The pact was signed on October 2, 2017, ahead of West Java gubernatorial election.

According to Hasto, Demiz was ready to carry out his duties. He assumed the appointment would be a positive sign in efforts to unite all elements, started from parties, communities, volunteers, and leaders.

Hasto said KIK also communicated with ndonesian Democratic Party of Struggle in West Java and West Java governor-elect Ridwan Kamil. He said it was part of the winning strategy in the presidential election.

Seperately, Demiz admitted representatives of KIK has conveyed the offer. However, he believed it was not a final decision.

"It is still on process, we're still on preliminary stage and the reason to pick me should be clear," he said on Tuesday.

Demiz has talked to official of the Central Board of Democratic Party about the offer to be spokesperson for Jokowi and Kiai Ma'ruf. He was not worried that his decision to join the government camp would trigger controversy.

Meanwhile, Golkar Party West Java Regional Representative Council (DPD) chairman, Dedi Mulyadi said his party remains solid to support Jokowi - Kiai Ma’ruf. He admitted there was no internal problem, although he did not deny the dynamics.

“We still solid in supporting Jokowi and Kiai Ma’ruf in upcoming 2019 presidential election,” Dedi added.

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