Give Support Since 2007, Ahok's Career Journey To Jakarta Started From Gus Dur's Message

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), former Governor of DKI Jakarta, attends the inauguration of President Jokowi and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin at Nusantara Building, Jakarta (Antara)

JAKARTA - One of the state figures who is considered to be meritorious to the political journey of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) until finally becoming governor of DKI Jakarta is Abdurrahman Wahid aka Gus Dur. Perhaps, it can be said that Ahok's career journey to Jakarta started from Wahid's message.

As is known, Wahid campaigned to support Ahok when he ran for governor of Bangka Belitung Islands in 2007. At that time Wahid was an enthusiastic figure and eager to provide support to Ahok. Unfortunately, in the political contest, Ahok failed to occupy the intended position.

Wahid and Ahok (nu.or.id)

Regarding the closeness of Ahok and Wahid, Wahid's wife, Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, briefly gave her opinion in Rosi's show on Kompas TV. According to him, Ahok often came in Gus Dur's haul event.

In addition, Ahok also comes when there is an event organized by his party. Sinta said that if these things are considered a sign of closeness, he does not forbid them.

Two things that caught Wahid's attention from Ahok's figure

Sinta also told two things that made Wahid interested in Ahok, especially when running for Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands.

"Because it may be interested in the courage of an Ahok. A minority who dare to appear to seize positions from an already dominant group. This makes Wahid very interesting," explained Sinta, September 8, 2016, quoted from KOMPASTV's YouTube channel.

He said, it is also related to learning to uphold the constitution in the life of the nation and state. The second reason Wahid was attracted to Ahok was Ahok's personal qualities when he became a cagub in Bangka Belitung Islands.

"Because at that time, Ahok was considered as a clean, honest, and open figure. Now I do not know whether it has changed or not," continued Sinta.

Regarding Wahid, Ahok said that the 4th President of Indonesia was the one who always gave him encouragement. In fact, Wahid is optimistic that Ahok could become president even though Ahok is a minority.

"Don't be governor, so just president you (Ahok) can," Ahok said recalling Wahid's remarks to him.

This was said by Wahid to answer Ahok's pessimistic expression when refusing to sue the Supreme Court regarding his failure in the election of the governor of Bangka Belitung Islands. At the time, Ahok said that ethnic Chinese people could not become governors in Indonesia.

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