Political Party Endorsement Pose Risks to Ahok`s Independence

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nona Evita, a researcher with Populi Center, said the growing support from political parties for Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama ahead of 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election may pose risks to his independence as he will be tied to the policy of the political parties. “Because [political] parties have the nature of oligarchy and are transactional,” he said yesterday.

Nona said that Ahok will still be supported by Jakarta residents even without endorsement from political parties. Populi Center survey showed that in January 73.5 percent of Jakarta residents were satisfied with Ahok’s work. In addition, Ahok has Teman Ahok, a volunteer organization who works hard to meet the requirement for the gubernatorial nomination.

Similar remark was made by Director Executive of Poltracking Indonesia Hanta Yuda A.R. According to him, the most important thing for Ahok is his reputation and public image, not endorsement from political party.

At present, at least three parties have expressed their support for Ahok to run in the upcoming gubernatorial election. The parties are Golkar, NasDem and Hanura.

Having received support from three parties, Ahok said he will not disappoint Teman Ahok. “So, if [political] parties are to join [my campaign], it will help Teman Ahok,” said the former regent of East Belitung at the City Hall.

Teman Ahok spokesman Singgih Widyastomo believed that Ahok will not make any deal with the political parties. He claimed that Ahok will only accept endorsement from political parties without any condition. “We believe he [Ahok] will continue to run as an independent,” Singgih said.

Currently, Teman Ahok is still gathering support by collecting ID cards that have reached 884,000 already. Singgih claimed that Teman Ahok will achieve 1 million ID cards by June. “We only focus on our efforts,” he said.

MITRA TARIGAN | FRANSISCO ROSARIANS | DESTRIANITA KUSUMASTUTI | DEVY ERNIS | KODRAT