TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Businessman Erick Thohir revealed his reason to take the offer to be leader of national campaign team (TKN) of the incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)-Ma'ruf Amin. He made the decision after considering Jokowi's figure.

On the other hand, Erick explained he is a focused man. As businessman, he followed his passion and concentrated only in media and sports.

When being offered the chance to lead Jokowi-Kiai Ma'ruf, Erick saw it as an option. He took the chance as it was not against his will.

"I see Mr Jokowi is sincere to serve the people and in building Indonesia, so I take my decision," Erick said after being declared chief of campaign team for Jokowi-Kiai Ma'ruf in Cemara Post, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday (Sept 7).

Erick considered the offer as huge challange and mandate. However, he would try to be professional in carrying the assignment.

Reporters then asked him whether he was ready to fight against the opposition politician. Erick Thohir objected with the term "fight".

He assessed the key was not to fight. For the sake of the country, all parties have to be friendly and compete with dignity.

Read also: Jokowi Appoints Erick Thohir, Prabowo: We Have Our Own Way

"Mr Jokowi has embraced Mr. Prabowo, then I will embrace Mr Sandiaga Uno--vice presidential candidate of the opposition camp and also his longtime friend--in basketball court," he said referring to Jokowi-Prabowo bromance in Asian Games 2018.

Earlier, Jokowi has officially declared businessman, founder of Mahaka Group, and chief of Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) Erick Thohir as his national campaign team (TKN) chairman. Erick’s appointment has been cited by some politicians and vice presidential candidate of the government camp prior to the announcement.

“The national campaign team leader is Mr Erick Thohir,” said Jokowi on Friday (Sept 7) in Jakarta.

Jokowi said Erick as a leader has proved his ability. When he became INASGOC chairman, people both from homeland and abroad praised him on the success of the event. “I think all of you know, he (Erick) is a successful businessman, he owns media company, football club, basketball, and everything that he leads, always get success,” Jokowi emphasized.

Jokowi revealed he chose a nonpolitician figure such as Erick Thohir because he wanted a combination in his campaign team. He needed an expert in management to lead the campaign team.

ANTARA