TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Functional Group (Golkar) Party`s Central Executive Board has decided to support Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil in the upcoming West Java Gubernatorial Election. The declaration of the support is set forth in the party’s central executive board letter number R- /GOLKAR/IX/ 2017.

The letter, that was circulated via instant messages, was signed by Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto and Golkar Party secretary-general Idrus Marham. Daniel Mutaqien Syafiuddin has been chosen to be Ridwan’s running mate.

“The Golkar Party’s Central Executive Board declares to endorse H. Mochamad Ridwan Kamil as a West Java Governor candidate and H. Daniel Mutaqien Syafiuddin as a West Java Deputy Governor candate in the third round of simultaneous Regional Head Election in 2018,” The letter says.

The letter also instructs Dedi Mulyadi, chairman of the West Java branch of Golkar Party’s Executive Board to follow up the decision and register the pair to the local General Election Commission (KPUD).

Earlier, Golkar announced that the party would endorse Dedi, who currently serves as the Purwakarta Regent, as a West Java Governor candidate.

To this date, the authenticity of the letter is not yet confirmed. Golkar Party secretary-general Idrus Marham is scheduled to announce the decision during a press conference held at 1:30 p.m. today, Sept. 22.

JULI HANTORO