TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bambang Waluyo Djojohadikusumo, Deputy Chief Coordinator of Community Services and Public Policy at the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) from Golkar Party Jakarta, declared his readiness to step in as a witness for Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.

Bambang is one of the people who was present at Pramuka Island where Ahok delivered his publicly debated speech.

“I’m part of the campaign team, deputy for the campaign team, [I’m] ready to provide testimony. What I say is not made up,” he said on Thursday, January 12, 2017.

Bambang said he will provide his complete testimony on Ahok; starting from Ahok's arrival to his departure from the island.

At the time, according to Bambang, Ahok came as governor to conduct a socialization on the grouper fingerlings stocking program to the people of Thousand Islands. Ahok also promised to strengthen the trade sector and provide sea transportation with an economical price.

“At the time the people applauded, they appreciated [him],” Bambang said. He considers the case that dragged Ahok into legal proceedings as something peculiar.

Bambang previously attended Ahok’s inaugural hearing but was asked to leave the courtroom by Ahok’s legal team so that the legal proceedings could run fairly.

LARISSA HUDA