Trade Minister Set to Face Jokowi in Presidential Race

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, who recently joined the Democratic Party’s presidential primary, said he was ready to compete against any presidential candidate in the upcoming presidential race, including Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo—who has been topping most of recent electability surveys.

“I admire his performance and electability,” the minister said on Monday, September 9, 2013. “His popularity is skyrocketing and this is something that I pay attention to. Nonetheless, I’m ready to face him in the 2014 presidential election.”

Gita refused to comment on the preparedness of the convention’s campaign team and said he had yet to calculate the amount of funds he would earmark for his campaigns. “Later, after the convention’s funds have been announced, I will inform you by September 15.”

Jeffrie Geovanie, member of the Board of Advisors of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said Jokowi’s electability was no match for any presidential hopefuls except the one hailing from the Democratic Party’s convention.

Jeffrie forecast the minister would finish first in the convention, allowing for the minister’ close ties with the president, relatively young age, extensive know-how, and good looks.

“His victory in the convention will become his greatest asset to emerge as Jokowi’s worthy opponent,” he said.

MUHAMMAD MUHYIDDIN