TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Presidential Candidate from the National Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, claimed that he is often underestimated by his opponents, mostly due to his 'outback' appearance. However, he said that his export-import furniture business has been around for 24 years, thus providing him with fortunes and international relationship capacity.
"[I will] let no one underestimate me anymore," he said in an Economic Platform Exposure forum, a meeting to present Jokowi-JK economic policy. Jokowi said that he is often playing it humble by saying that he "merely sells furniture."
However, he claimed that he has reached a point where he feels annoyed with being belittled. "[....] I cannot take it. It is alright if I play a little arrogant sometimes," he said jokingly.
Jokowi himself is considered as a soft target by his adversaries. Demokrat Spokesman Ruhut Sitompul once called Jokowi a slow and indecisive person. Deputy chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Dradjad Wibowo even said that Jokowi has yet to reach a level where he can be the president.
MUHAMMAD MUHYIDDIN
