TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The presidential candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo; and of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), Prabowo Subianto, are intensively approaching Nahdlatul Ulama's and Muhammadiyah's figures near the presidential election. Indo Barometer director executive, Muhammad Qodari, said NU and Muhammadiyah could determine the election winner.
"Both organizations have large supporters," Qodari said yesterday.
Qodari forecasted NU supporters are 33 percent of the total voters, while Muhammadiyah has 7-9 percent of the voters. But Qodari noted that approaching figures from both organizations would not guarantee victory.PDI-P deputy secretary general, Hasto Kristiyanto, said if his party wins the election, more roles in education, agriculture and economy are to be given to both organizations.
"The PDI-P wants NU and Muhammadiyah to improve the quality of their people, so Indonesia would be more independent in economy, culture and politics," Hasto said.
Chairman of Gerindra, Suhardi, said his party had to take a quick action to gain supports from both organizations. If Gerindra wins the election, it will craft a development program in religious affairs and human resources.
Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Boards (PBNU), Said Aqil Siradj, said his organization would not seek to participate in practical politics as they will focus on community empowerment. Said would not dictate NU members to vote for particular candidates. But he revealed criteria for a leader, including being smart, knowledgeable, fair and decisive.
SUNDARI | MUHAMMAD MUHYIDDIN
