REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially declared businessman, founder of Mahaka Group, and Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) head Erick Thohir as his national campaign team (TKN) chairman. Earlier, Erick’s appointment has been cited by some politicians and vice presidential candidate of the government camp.

“The national campaign team leader is Mr Erick Thohir,” said Jokowi on Friday (Sept 7) in Jakarta.

Jokowi said Erick as a leader has proved his ability. When he became INASGOC chairman, people both from homeland and abroad praised him on the success of the event.

“I think all of you know, he (Erick) is a successful businessman, he owns media company, football club, basketball, and everything that he leads, always get success,” Jokowi emphasized.

Jokowoi revealed he chose a nonpolitician figure because he wanted a combination in his campaign team. He needed an expert in management to lead the campaign team.

“This is not a matter of politics. This is about how to manage this campaign. We already have many politicians in the team,” Jokowi explained.

Incumbent President Joko Widodo (second right) accompanied by Vice Presidential Candidate KH Maruf Amin (right) determines Vice President Jusuf Kalla (second left) as chief of Steering Committe of National Campaign Team and businessman Erick Thohir as chief of his National Campaign Team in Jakarta, Friday (Sept 7).

On Wednesday, Jokowi's running mate KH Ma'ruf Amin hinted that Jokowi has picked Erick as chairman of TKN. "Yes, I think Erick Thohir is...if I'm not mistaken, he has been determined. It will be announced later," he said after a meeting with Muhammadiyah officials in Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (Sept 5) night.

Previously, secretary general of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Hasto Kristiyanto explained the announcement of head of winning team will not be later than September 7 since Indonesian Working Coalition (KIK) has to form campaign team in provinces. So far, Erick and Najwa Shihab were among top list.

According to Hasto, Erick was nominated because of his success in leading Asian Games 2018. Other than Erick and Najwa, CT Corp founder Chairul Tanjung and Go-Jek founder Nadiem Makarim also rumored to have the chance to lead the TKN.

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