TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-Golkar Party has recently hinted at possible Ahok endorsement in Jakarta gubernatorial election. Newly elected Golkar Chairman, Setya Novanto, said the final decision on endorsement for any Jakarta gubernatorial candidate will be made in two week’s time.
Setya, however, has praised Ahok as a responsible figure in his leadership. “Ahok has clearly given massive contribution to Jakarta’s interests and it is positive,” he said on Thursday.
Asked about the issue, Zainuddin, Head of Golkar faction in Jakarta city council, said his party has conducted a survey. It has asked 1,800 respondents from Jakarta to Seribu Islands.
Zianuddin said the survey showed that Ahok was topping the list of electable candidates, followed by Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Sandiaga Uno, yet he did not clearly state the candidate that will be endorsed by his party.
The survey results will be used as consideration to decide on who will Golkar endorse.
“All candidates are equal in our eyes,” he said, and adding that Setya Novanto will officially made a declaration on it.
Ahok did not deny such hint of support from the party. However, he said that he will be consistent with his decision to run as an independent along with his running mate, Heru Budi Hartanto, currently Head of Regional Finance and Asset Management Body. “[I will] still [run as] independent. We are confident,” he said.
DESTRIANITA KUSUMASTUTI | ARIEF HIDAYAT | DEVY ERNIS
