TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) deputy secretary-general Erico Sotarduga said that the party is eyeing Marine and Fishery Minister Susi Pudjiastuti for the 2018 West Java gubernatorial election. Erico said that Susi has a good track record and work ethic.

Erico said that the PDIP will meet West Java figureheads to hear their opinion on the matter. “Many West Java figureheads want Bu Susi, particularly those living in south Pangandaran,” he said yesterday at the parliamentary complex.

Susi, however, has never been included in the PDIP internal survey for West Java gubernatorial election candidate. Moreover, she has never registered as a PDIP candidate. “We will conduct another survey,” he said.

Erico added that Minister Susi has yet to comment on the party’s plan to nominate her. “She only smiled [when asked about her possible nomination],” he said.

He understands Susi’s reaction since she currently serves as a minister under the Joko Widodo administration. “But we have to take notice of some of West Java residents who [want] her,” he said.

The PDIP views that Susi has a remarkable life story that saw her becoming a businesswoman before being named a minister. Susi represents an egalitarian leader. “She is cheerful, she laughed with others, bubbly; as if there is no distance between leaders and the people,” he said.

Susi Pudjiastuti was seen at the PDIP central executive board office after the party announced its nominee in East Java governor race. Susi said that she came not to talk about her nomination but to meet the PDIP chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

AHMAD FAIZ