TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Functional Group (Golkar) Party secretary general Idrus Marham said that his party has initiated communications with four parties endorsing Jakarta Gubernatorial hopefuls Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Sylviana Murni.

The lobby is aimed at gathering additional votes for incumbent candidate pair Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and Djarot Saiful Hidayat who are supported by Golkar, the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), the National Democratic Party (NasDem), and the People’s Conscience (Hanura) Party.

Ahok-Djarot, who gained the highest number of votes according to quick counts conducted by pollsters, advanced to the second round to fight for the governor seat with another candidate pair Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno, who are supported by the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

"We've been consolidating with the four parties to maintain the spirit, and we will take steps to ensure Ahok's victory," Idrus said during a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Friday, February 17, 2017.

Idrus revealed that Golkar had established communications with leaders of parties supporting Agus, such as National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Zulkifli Hasan and United Development Party (PPP) chairman Romahurmuziy. However, Idrus said that the party leaders needed some time to consider the offer.

Idrus pointed out that gathering supports from a candidate who lost the first round would be important not only to win an election but to embrace all groups and hold hands together to lead Jakarta.

"So, we can’t think that this is enough, because building [Jakarta] together is a must," Idrus added.

GHOIDA RAHMAH