TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama said he would meet the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) chairwoman after announcing his decision to run for Jakarta governor on a political party ticket.

“Whatever happens, my relationship with Bu Mega is good. Also with the PDIP. They are my friends, too,” Ahok said at Graha Pejaten, Wednesday, July 27, 2016.

Ahok said that Megawati had often asked about his relationship with the deputy governor who is a PDIP cadre, Djarot Saiful Hidayat. Because Megawati is bemused by Ahok’s decision to suddenly propose Heru Budi Hartono as his running-mate, whereas Ahok had previously insisted to pick Djarot, the former Blitar mayor.

“I have known Djarot for long, when I was a regent, he was a mayor. It’s okay for Bu Mega to ask about it now,” Ahok said.

When asked about the issue, he played it down. He argued that he had picked Heru because he had not received Megawati’s approval. “I have to tell you, who would refuse [to run with Djarot]?, I said I have asked about it, but you didn’t give [the approval],” he said.

The PDIP had decided not to endorse an independent candidate. Therefore, Ahok said he would soon meet Megawati and tell her of his decision. However, Ahok has yet to reveal their appointment date because the PDIP was still in the middle of a national leadership meeting.

“I certainly want to side with Bu Mega. I had met her before lebaran. Today’s event [the announcement at Graha Pejaten] has not been held at the time, if I had to tell her of my decision, I wouldn’t know what to say,” Ahok said.

Ahok had finally decided to run for governor on a political party ticket after protracted deliberations. Earlier, Ahok had two options, to run as an independent with 1 million ID card from his supporter and endorsements from three political parties, the National Democratic Party (Nasdem), the People’s Consciousness Party (Hanura) and the Functional Group Party (Golkar). The decision was announced by Ahok during a halal bi halal gathering held by Teman Ahok (Ahok’s Friends) in their headquarters, Graha Pejaten, South Jakarta.

LARISSA HUDA