PDIP Consider Ahok To Return To Fight Anies In The Jakarta Gubernatorial Election

Former Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan and Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) is considering Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok as a candidate for governor in the Jakarta gubernatorial election (Pilgub).

According to PDIP DPP Chairman Said Abdullah, Ahok has the potential to defeat Anies Baswedan who has declared himself up to fight in the Jakarta gubernatorial election.

"If considered, of course Ahok is one of the options. As chairman of the DPP in the economic sector, Ahok's leadership while serving in DKI Jakarta has proven successful. If the PDI-P DPP decides to carry Ahok, the competition will be even more fierce," said Said, Wednesday, July 17.

Said added that Ahok had a great opportunity to win the Jakarta gubernatorial election, including against Anies Baswedan. Although Ahok has not declared himself, his electability is considered quite high and is competing closely with Anies.

"From the results of the survey (Litbang Kompas), currently the one who has declared himself is Anies Baswedan, who is natural to get high attention from the media and the public. Interestingly, Ahok has not declared himself and has also shown significant electability, and even approached Anies," he explained.

Said emphasized that there would be nothing wrong if PDIP considered Ahok as a candidate. He believes Ahok is one of the regional head candidates who can beat Anies Baswedan in the Jakarta gubernatorial election.

"Jakarta is a storefront for the DPP. All attention is paid to Jakarta, and the appeal is extraordinary. With impressive electability, Ahok has the potential to beat Anies," added Said.

However, Said emphasized that PDIP has not yet decided who will be promoted in the Jakarta gubernatorial election. The decision will be discussed in the DPP meeting chaired by the PDIP General Chair, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

"In the near future, because it is only 49 days before the election. The DPP continues to monitor developments in 514 districts/cities and 38 provinces, including contestation in Jakarta," concluded Said.