Risma's Reason In Rejecting Ministerial Position for Jokowi  

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mayor of Surabaya Tri Rismaharini admitted to receive threats.  The threats were sent through short messages.  “Residents of Surabaya threatened me yesterday saying that if I was to depart to Jakarta, I will not win Mr. Jokowi,” Risma told reporters in Surabaya on Monday, July 21, 2014.

The threat strengthened Risma’s decision to refuse the office of Minister in Jakarta.  In the short message stated that the residents of Surabaya will held a rally if Risma left Surabaya and moves to Jakarta.  Eventhough it was not in the form of an agreement, to the threatener Risma ensures that she will not except the position as minister in Jakarta.

“It’s not a deal.  They threatened to perform rally,” Risma said.

The content of the message, according to Risma, haed already been acknowledged by the Chairman of PDI-P Megawati Soekarnoputri.  Megawati admitted to have heard of the message and did not object if Risma stayed in Surabaya.

Risma denied that her refusal means that she will be re-nominated as Mayor of Surabaya for a second period.

Concerning the real count that will be won by Jokowi-JK, Risma had not been willing to comment on the matter.  She claimed that up until now, there has not been any specific instructions given to her by the central leadership.  “Wait for the results to be announced,” said the former Head of Surabaya’s Planning Board.

AGITA SUKMA LISTYANTI