Risma's Victory And Whisnu Sakti's Promise That Mega Won't Throw Away

SURABAYA - After going back and forth, the PDI Perjuangan finally announced that it is a champion in the Pilkada in Surabaya, East Java. Eri Cahyadi-Armuji was nominated as a candidate for the mayor and vice mayor of Surabaya who will face the fat coalition candidate, Machfud Arifin.

The Surabaya Pilkada announcement is arguably the most awaited. After Tri Rismaharini (Risma) has served as mayor of Surabaya for two terms, the figure of a potential successor is awaited. The Surabaya Pilkada does have the same 'magnetism' as the Solo Pilkada with PDIP candidates Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Bobby Nasution in the Medan Pilkada.

“I just said consolidate the party, that's why I said watch out for Surabaya, who will play against me. Remember Surabaya, ”Megawati ordered when speaking after the announcement of the names of candidates for regional head in the fifth batch, Wednesday, September 2.

Mega's message is very specific, although it is not only Surabaya that has been announced by its regional head candidates. Mega in a teleconference connection even asked for screen access to be connected to the East Java PDIP DPD.

"After I decided you have one word. If I see you later. There are those who are diverting, I have ordered it, that is my right, my prerogative, who does not want to obey the party head as a symbol of the party, I will impose sanctions. So I ask everyone to win what I have said because it is not easy to choose people, many want, "said Mega.

In particular, Megawati also addressed Whisnu Sakti Buana, the deputy mayor of Surabaya. Whisnu was predicted to be a candidate for mayor, but Mega decided differently.

During the teleconference connection, Mega thanked Whisnu for being in the East Java PDIP DPD. Mega emphasized that he had never abandoned Whisnu Sakti even though he decided that Eri Cahyadi was the candidate for the mayor of Surabaya.

"I really thank Whisnu," said Mega.

"Yes, ma'am," said Whisnu, standing upright.

Megawati emphasized that she remains proud of Whisnu who has helped Risma in Surabaya. Mega will never forget Whisnu.

“I know for sure, Mr. Cip. That's why I deliberately asked Bambang Pacul and Pak Djarot to come. There Mbak Puti. Don't anyone say, oh, Ibu Mega threw Whisnu away, no. Now, I am dealing with you, I will not throw it away. Obedient as a PDIP cadre, thank you for helping Mbak Risma all this time, ”said Megawati.

After the announcement of the candidate for mayor of Surabaya, Whisnu confirmed his promise to be ready to win the Eri-Armuji duet even though he was not the candidate.

"We will stand upright according to the DPP decision. We have to win Surabaya for PDIP," Whisnu told reporters in Surabaya.

Whisnu will gather his loyalists as well as volunteers. Whisnu promised to provide understanding to be solid with the ketum's decision.

"Later we will gather again. God willing, PDIP cadres will remain up to the Ketum (Megawati) decision," said Whisnu.

Eri-Armuji's support is considered a victory for Risma who is close to Megawati. Megawati has recently mentioned Risma's name as a regional head who succeeded in advancing Surabaya.

A political observer and researcher at the Surabaya Survey Center (SSC), Surokim Abdusalam, assessed that Risma was the key to the issuance of a PDIP record for the pair Eri Cahyadi and Armuji.

"Bu Risma's influence is very strong for the PDIP candidate pairs in the Surabaya Pilkada this time. It shows the strong influence of Mrs. Risma to Mrs. Megawati," said Surokim in Surabaya as quoted by Antara.

According to him, the Mayor of Risma showed his strong influence and the sustainability considerations that Megawati heard.

"I think that 10 years of experience has strengthened the faction of Bu Risma this time. The conclusion is that Mega in Surabaya is Risma," said the Dean of FISIP, Trunojoyo University.

The issuance of Eri-Armuji's recommendation, in Surokim's view, shows that Risma's power relation to Megawati is a special power relation.

In addition, the election of Eri-Armuji shows that PDIP remains with the non-cadre scheme to accommodate the Mayor of Risma and cadres to accommodate PDIP cadres.

"The election of Armuji is in order to strengthen the mental and cadres of PDIP Surabaya," he said.

But Surokim suggested that Megawati give a special assignment to Whisnu Sakti. This needs to be done to reduce the turmoil of Whisnu supporters while ensuring the solidarity of support from PDIP Surabaya cadres in the Pilkada.