Anies Baswedan: Getting Serious After the Survey

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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB

Anies Baswedan after a private meeting with Gerindra party Chairman Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, September 22, 2016. TEMPO/Dhemas Reviyanto

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Friday last week was a busy day for 47-year-old Anies Baswedan, who began his day's activities from early morning. His schedule was full and it did not end until nearly midnight. "I haven't slept much," said Anies.

That day, Anies, the former education and culture minister, was selected a candidate in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, by the Gerindra Party and the Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS). His running mate is Sandiaga Uno, a Gerindra member and businessman. There was a series of events he had to attend following his nomination: the public declaration of his candidacy, registration at the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) and political meetings. At the end of that Friday, Tempo reporter Prihandoko had a chance to interview Anies about his nomination

What made you decide to run in the Jakarta election?

Many friends in the media asked me about it. I always said that I never thought about becoming the governor of Jakarta. But since the end of August, some parties came and seriously asked me to run.

Who were those parties?

Some were from different political parties. There was also Aksa Mahmud (a businessman and brother-in-law of Vice President Jusuf Kalla). Pak Aksa was very serious about asking me to run. If someone came and asked me about it seriously, I had to think deeply about it.

When did Aksa Mahmud ask you to run?

On the last Friday of August, I met with Pak Aksa at the Grand Hyatt. We talked over lunch.

You only met with Aksa Mahmud once?

No. I had dengue fever and was treated in hospital. Pak Aksa paid me a visit. At that time, he was with Romi (Romahurmuziy, chairman of the United Development Party, or PPP). PPP was the most active in asking me to run.

What did you say at that time?

I said that I would think seriously about it and that I would speak with my family first.

Did the results of a survey showing how popular you are influence your decision?

About two weeks ago, discussions became rather serious because of the survey from Poltracking Indonesia. (*)

Read the full interview in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine

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