What Was Jokowi's Response When He Found Out About Anies Baswedan's Official NasDem As A Presidential Candidate?

Photo of Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - President Jokowi already knows that the NasDem Party declared DKI Governor Anies Baswedan as their presidential candidate. And this is Jokowi's response.

The last meeting of the General Chair of the NasDem Party, Surya Paloh, with Jokowi, occurred 10 days ago. That's when Surya Paloh informed his party's plan to declare 'hurry' Anies Baswedan as a presidential candidate.

"When asked if I had talked about it, what was his response to Bung Anies' candidacy. Yes, he said 'good, good, I appreciate it'. So I think it's more than enough," explained Surya Paloh at NasDem Tower, Central Jakarta, Monday, October 3.

Surya Paloh admitted that he continued to carry out his routine relationship with Jokowi. During the 8.5 years running the Jokowi government, Surya Paloh routinely held meetings.

"So indeed in a short time, I will also meet again (with President Jokowi)," he continued.

Regarding whether to enter NasDem or stay outside, Surya Paloh left it entirely to the former Minister of Education and Culture.

"So it's not an issue, the term is not the import issue for NasDem. Anies wants NasDem, he doesn't enter, the important thing is that Anies is consistent in building this nation," he said.

The NasDem Party promises to continue to support the governments of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Ma'ruf Amin even though it has officially declared DKI Governor Anies Baswedan as a presidential candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres).

"NasDem wants to emphasize his commitment to continue to support the Jokowi-Ma'ruf Amin government until the end of his term of office," said Surya Paloh.

Surya emphasized that there was no difference between his party and the Jokowi-Ma'ruf government. Thus, he ensured that NasDem would continue to oversee despite the shortcomings here and there.

"There is no difference whatsoever in principle," he said.

"There must be a shortage and this is the task of friends, party duties and this is the task of friends, the task of parties within the governing coalition to always oversee with those, good intentions, what is best for a good government for a good government for this nation and country," continued Surya.