TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Democratic (Nasdem) secretary-general Johnny G. Plate has confirmed Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) would be the Chair of Advisory Board of the campaign team of the incumbent president Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo and Ma’ruf Amin in the 2019 presidential election.

“It [the decision] has been made,” said Johnny at Cemara Post, Jakarta, Sunday, August 12.

As reports suggested earlier, Jusuf Kalla was expected to lead the National Campaign Team (TKN) for Jokowi. The high officials of Jokowi coalition party did not deny that many people proposed JK as the chair.

Johnny revealed to Tempo the consideration should JK chosen as TKN leader. Johnny said JK has the competences and met the requirements to become a team leader and that he deemed Jusuf Kalla as the most perfect figure.

"His programs, strategies, relationships, and how he manages the team as well as his experience are extraordinary," said Johnny.

However, he added, JK could not leave his position as vice president. "If the president takes the campaign leave as an incumbent candidate, the vice president takes the role," said Johnny.

Asked about Jokowi’s expectation on the people to lead the team, Johnny was reluctant to answer in details. "All the criteria will be based on Pak Jokowi's needs. Jokowi has the name, and we don't know it yet," Johnny said.

DEWI NURITA