How Does NasDem Measure Jokowi's Support For Ganjar Pranowo?

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - The Deputy Head of the NasDem Party, Ahmad Ali, admitted that it was not easy for Anies Baswedan to compete with the future PDI Perjuangan presidential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo. Moreover, Ganjar received direct support from President Joko Widodo.

Ahmad Ali sees Jokowi's support for Ganjar as a great strength that neither his party nor Anies can match.

"If we look at the resources in the environment, say, Mr. Jokowi openly supports Ganjar. Yes, that is also a strength and resource that Anies certainly cannot compete with," said Ahmad Ali, Tuesday, April 25.

Ahmad Ali's statement regarding Jokowi's support for Ganjar was one of the responses to Anies' statement to volunteers during Idul Fitri. Anies said that there was a big opponent in the presidential election and asked volunteers to work harder.

Furthermore, Ahmad Ali denied the views of a number of parties who called Anies' statement a form of self-doubt. He said the phrase as motivation for Anies volunteers to fight harder.

"So if volunteers work mediocre, it must be very hard. But if they work seriously, multiplying their enthusiasm potential, it's not too hard," he said.

Regarding big opponents, Ahmad Ali also mentioned the wealth owned by another presidential candidate, namely Ketum Gerindra Prabowo Subianto. He compared Anies' wealth with that of Prabowo, who is currently in Jokowi's administration as Defense Minister.

"That politics cannot be avoided at a cost, yes that is a definite factor. When compared to Mas Anies, it is very, very far away," said Ahmad Ali.