Shocked To Be Appointed As Head Of The Ganjar Winning Team, Arsjad: Frankly I Wasn't Informed

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arsjad Rasjid while in India. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arsjad Rasjid admitted that he was surprised when he learned that he was appointed as the head of the National Winning Team (TPN) for presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo in the 2024 presidential election.

In fact, Arsjad admitted that he had not received clear information regarding the decision.

He only found out about the decision when he was on the agenda of the 2023 ASEAN Business Awards.

"When I read, oh my God, I was shocked. Because frankly, I wasn't informed. What's his name, it's an honor. But after all, you have to talk first," he said when met at the Mulia Hotel, Senayan, Jakarta, written Wednesday, September 6.

However, Arsjad acknowledged the decision as an honor. However, he regretted that the decision was not preceded by initial talks.

The reason, continued Arsjad, is that he is currently still the General Chair of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the President Director of Indika Energy.

"So it's an honor, where I have to see first. Back and forth, I want to clarify everything first. Because at the end of the day, I have a position as Chairman of Kadin," he said.

"I am also the chairman of ABAC. I am also still the main director of the company Indika. So these are things that should have an order. All of these are governance, too. So back and forth," he continued.

According to Arsjad, if there was any initial discussion, he could have considered accepting the offer to become chairman of the TPN. However, Arsjad admitted that for now he wanted to first discuss with the relevant parties who chose him.

"I always say, you know, I mean say, all of that is if we are asked for this, right, we will definitely think about it, and also when we say it's ready, we'll be ready," he said.

"But that's not it, but the problem is like this, now I just know from the media. So yes, what will you do when you get it, chat, then we'll let you know," he continued.

Reasons For PDIP Select Arsjad

PDIP DPP chairman Said abdullah revealed the reason for the election of the Chairman of Kadin, Arsjad Rasyid as chairman of the national winning team (TPN) Ganjar Pranowo.

It is known that the PDIP DPP held a joint meeting with PPP, Hanura and Perindo which were attended directly by the general chairmen.

The meeting discussed various strategic agendas in an effort to win Ganjar Pranowo as a Presidential Candidate for 2024-2029, one of which was the formation of TPN Ganjar Pranowo in the 2024 presidential election.

"It was agreed in the plenary meeting by appointing Mr. Arsjad Rasyid as Chairman of the Ganjar Pranowo Winning Team," Said abdullah told reporters, Tuesday, September 5.

Later, continued Said, Arsjad will be assisted by deputy chairmen consisting of several elements. Among them are retired TNI and Polri generals, political parties, community leaders and volunteers.

Said explained that Arsjad was elected by acclamation because it was considered a representation of the business world to prove that Ganjar Pranowo's economic policy in the future considered the business friendly aspect.

"We need the role of the business world to encourage economic growth, and improve people's welfare widely, in order to support the 2045 Golden Indonesia Vision agenda," said Said.