Yusril Ihza to Dare Ahok in Jakarta Gubernatorial Election

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- Yusril Ihza Mahendra, chairman of Crescent Star Party (PBB), has nominated himself to be a candidate to-be of Jakarta Governor in 2017 gubernatorial election. Yusril has mapped several issues in the capital to handle despite the fact that he has not made a decision whether he would run as an independent candidate or through political party.

“The main issues of Jakarta are traffic jam, flood, wastes, informal employment opportunity and the slums,” said Yusril on February 9, 2016.

Yusril promised to engage the people of Jakarta in addressing the issues. He would not make barriers and would hold dialogues with the residents. “The approach would be more humanistic,” said the constitutional law expert.

He declared himself as one of the candidates to-be of Jakarta governor during his book launch on Saturday, February 6, 2016. Yusril claimed to have gained support from various parties. “From a few statements – despite its unofficial nature – there have been [supports] from PKB, PPP, PAN, Golkar, Gerindra,” he said.

Initially, Yusril said he did not want to run for governor in Jakarta election until Cyrus Network persuaded him so he is ready to compete. “I’m ready to go head to head against Ahok so that people’s voice would be focused [on two candidates] as in the presidential election between Jokowi and Prabowo,” said Yusril.

Currently, Yusril’s campaign team is still collecting support, both from political parties and individuals. He is optimistic that the support would be gathered before the registration date. “We still have time,” he said.

Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama welcomes Yusril’s plan and praises his professionalism. “Yusril is a great man. Let all the great men be involved in the gubernatorial election,” said Ahok.

PUTRI ADITYOWATI| YOHANES PASKALIS