TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini has reiterated her wish to stay in her current position and not to participate in Jakarta gubernatorial race.

“If you ask me, If I’m being honest, I want [to stay] in Surabaya; after all, I have made a promise to Surabaya residents,” Risma said after inspecting Benowo Sanitary Landfill in Surabaya, Thursday, August 11, 2016.

According to Risma, the second reason is that Surabaya residents have yet to fully achieve prosperity, which makes her feel obliged to address it. Risma said that it’s been tough for her, because it would affect the living of many people in Surabaya. “That’s the toughest part, whether I or anybody else can take [Surabaya residents] to achieve a better life, it’s the toughest thing,” she said.

She has asked the media to be patient. Because the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri will eventually address the issue. She has also dismissed the rumor that she met Megawati last night, even though she admitted of being in Jakarta to meet someone. “I met someone last night. I was in Jakarta last night, but it [to meet Megawati] wasn’t the case,” she said.

Many believed that Risma met PDIP chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri yesterday to discuss Jakarta election.

“She [Megawati] will personally summon me if I do get the recommendation. If not, she won’t,” Risma said, confirming that she has yet to be summoned by Megawati.

MOHAMMAD SYARRAFAH