Tempted To Support Ganjar, JK: I Am The Chair Of PMI, Must Be Neutral

Presidential Candidate Ganjar Pranowo met with the 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) at JK's residence, in Jakarta, Sunday, November 19. (Diah-VOI)

JAKARTA - The 10th and 12th Vice Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla (JK) responded to the temptation of presidential candidate number 3 Ganjar Pranowo who hoped for support in the 2024 presidential election. This was revealed by JK after receiving Ganjar's visit at his residence.

JK emphasized that until now he is still the Chairman of the Central Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). JK admitted that he had to be neutral as the leader of the organization.

"I am the chairman of PMI. PMI must be neutral. So, it cannot be TPN. That each of you has a political choice, please. However, there are certain things that limit it," said JK on Jalan Brawijaya Raya, South Jakarta, Sunday, November 19.

On that occasion, JK also talked about the neutrality of government officials and law enforcement in the implementation of the 2024 General Election when receiving a visit to presidential candidate number 3 Ganjar Pranowo at his residence.

JK juxtaposed the obligations of the apparatus' neutrality with the vision of Indonesia Gold 2045 which was planned by President Joko Widodo. According to him, this achievement will not be realized if the authorities do not act neutral.

"We want to keep this country safe in the future until 2045 as desired by Pak Jokowi. But the condition is to act fairly, be neutral. Once not, then this nation will experience problems," said JK.

Previously, Ganjar realized that JK did not provide support to him after the meeting that took place this afternoon. However, Ganjar still hopes that JK will support him and vice presidential candidate Mahfud MD in next year's political contestation.

"Earlier he said that the choice may be different and this feels like Pak JK's choice will be different from mine. But if later support me, it's also okay, sir," Ganjar teased JK.

The former Governor of Central Java also claimed not to offer JK to join the Ganjar-Mahfud National Winning Team (TPN) even though he brought the Chairman of TPN Ganjar-Mahfud, Arsjad Rasjid and the Chairman of the Perindo Party Hary Tanoesoedibjo with him to meet JK.

"Yes, we don't invite, really. Let's just stay in touch. If Mas Arsjad, Mr. Hary Tanoe is indeed my team. So, yes accompany me. Mas Arsjad is a friend of Mr. JK, a businessman. Mr. Hary Tanoe especially. They have known me for a long time," said Ganjar.