PDIP Explains Reasons Behind Eri and Armuji's Recommendation

JAKARTA - PDI-P Secretary-General, Hasto Kristiyanto, explained the reason behind Eri Cahyadi-Armuji's recommendation for the candidate pair for mayor and deputy mayor of Surabaya. The PDIP chairperson, Megawati Soekarnoputri, had been considering her decision carefully.

According to Hasto, the decision to choose Eri, the Head of the Surabaya City Development Planning Agency (Bappeko), was because he has worked with the Mayor of Surabaya, Tri Rismaharini.

"This also shows how Mrs. Tri Rismaharini carried out the leadership regeneration process, " said Hasto in an online press conference, September 2.

Meanwhile, Armuji was chosen by the PDIP because he is an internal party cadre. He has been educated with party mechanisms from the lowest order. He also has served as Chairman of the Surabaya City DPRD.

"So with his understanding of budget legislation as well as his supervision and representation, Mr. Armuji will be a good partner to strengthen Me. Eri's leadership," he said.

Regarding Eri's position as the Head of Bappeko and the status of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN), Hasto said that it wouldn't be a problem.

Eri has prepared himself to become a candidate to replace Risma. He will ensure to follow the rules, including resigning from his position.

"So this is the best pair, and PDIP has 15 seats. With the support of the community and the success of Mrs. Risma, it is a social capital that is much more important than capital," he explained.

"We believe that this pair will be able to gain the trust of the people of Surabaya. But we shouldn't be careless," added Hasto.

PDIP officially carries the pair Eri Cahyadi-Armuji in the 2020 Surabaya Mayor Election.

"The recommendation is given to Eri Cahyadi with Armuji as a candidate for mayor and deputy mayor of Surabaya for the 2020-2025 period," PDIP DPP Chair Puan Maharani read the recommendations, Wednesday, September 2.

Puan asked the East Java PDIP DPD and Surabaya City DPC to consolidate. So, the party could win the Surabaya Pilkada again.

"The entire ranks of the East Java PDIP DPD and Surabaya City DPC can coordinate and consolidate all party ranks to win Surabaya City again," she said.