TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spokesman for the 212 Alumni Brotherhood Novel Bamukmin, responded to the decision made by Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP), also known as Ahok, to join the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP). Novel said that Ahok has the right to join a political party of his choice.

"As an Indonesian citizen, BTP has the right to choose and to be chosen, and to express his political aspiration to a political party," Novel said on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Novel said that BTP will fit PDIP because the party, according to Novel, did not support the aspiration of ulemas and moslems. "It fits if BTP joins [PDIP], his 'BTP' character will become more apparent," Novel stated.

Chief of PDIP Central Executive Board Hendrawan Supratikno said that Ahok has officially become a cadre of PDIP. "Ahok already has a member ID. So there is no administrative issues," Hendrawan said.

Hendrawan said that Ahok joining the party will reinforce support for the party and for the number 01 presidential candidate pair Jokowi-Ma'ruf. "Ahok has a large mass of supporters, the Ahokers," Hendrawan said.

Similar confirmation also expressed by Ima Mahdiah, former staff of Ahok currently running as a legislative candidate with the support of PDIP.

Chief of PDIP Central Executive Board Djarot Saiful Hidayat said that Ahok has been planning to join PDIP. "He is willing [to join], so I say 'go ahead'. PDIP is an open party, anyone can join as long as they remain loyal to the Pancasila, the Republic of Indonesia, Bhineka Tunggal Ika, and the Constitution," Djarot said on January 2019.

DEWI NURITA