TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Secretary of the Jakarta Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle or PDIP, Gembong Warsono, confirmed that Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok was mentioned during the party’s internal meeting on the candidates for Jakarta governor.

“[His name is mentioned] in the internal discussion,” said Gembong in Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) building, Tuesday, Jan. 11, as quoted from Antara.

The discussion, however, was just a talk. The names of candidates who will be promoted will still be decided by the party chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri.

“Even though the decision is on the hands of the regional party’s executive board, the board can present critical notes on who will run in the 2024 gubernatorial election,” he added.

When previously asked about the opportunity of Ahok to run in the 2024 gubernatorial election, PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto said the former Jakarta governor wished to be a teacher for the party cadres.

Other than Ahok, Hasto mentioned a number of cadres who potentially run in the simultaneous election, namely Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini, People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Deputy Speaker Ahmad Basarah, Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi, Ngawi Regent Budi Sulistyono, and Gianyar Regent I Made Agus Mayastra.

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ANTARA | M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH