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Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono: The Dark Horse

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Editor

13 October 2016 15:30 WIB

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has left his 16-year career in the military to run for governor of Jakarta, swapping his green military uniform for a campaign attire: a black shirt with his initials AHY on left front side and #JakartaUntukRakyat" (#JakartaforthePeople) on the right, and the red-white flag on the right sleeve. 

Agus, the best student in the Class of 2000 at the Military Academy, was nominated by a coalition comprising the Democrat, National Mandate (PAN), People's Awakening (PKB) and the United Development (PPP) parties. He picked former Central Jakarta Mayor Sylviana Murni as his running mate.

Entering a new phase in life a battle ground far from the one he is familiar with the eldest son of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono shed a few tears when he registered himself at the General Election Commission (KPU) on September 23. "This is purely my own decision. There was no coercion, much less intimidation, from my parents," said the 38-year-old Agus. 

Last Thursday, Agus, accompanied by his team, among others, businessman Wisnu Wardana, activist Rachland Nashidik and Eddy Soeparno, PAN's secretary- general, visited the Tempo office. Also with Agus' team was Rocky Gerung, a philosophy lecturer at the University of Indonesia.

When you registered at the KPU, you shed tears. 

I was making a fundamental decision. We get emotional when we suddenly have to move house, and it's more so when you change professions, along with your life. I certainly didn't try to hide the emotions that overwhelmed me. Throughout the 16 years that I served in the military, I always gave my best, as I climbed every step of my career.

So it was a sudden decision?

On September 22, when I was still in Darwin, leading a unit training with the Australian army, I got a phone call from Jakarta telling me that the political situation in Jakarta was very favorable (for me). When I asked when the idea came up, they said it was just recently. I was told that until the last minute, they tried to find a mutually acceptable candidate. By coincidence, when my name came up, everyone approved (on nominating me).

Who called?

Bapak (Father) and Ibu (Mother). It was hard for Bapak to break the news he chose the words very carefully. I mulled over it and returned home on September 23. Arriving at midnight in Cikeas, I went straight to the library where the party chiefs, Pak Zulkifli Hasan, Pak Romahurmuziy, Pak Muhaimin Iskandar and Pak SBY were already waiting. But, first, I spent a few moments with my wife, Annisa. I'm taught to make my own decisions. But this time there was almost no transition time as I had to make a decision in just a few hours. But that's how it went no coercion, let alone intimidation because no parents really want to push their children (to do something they don't want).

Was it an offer you couldn't refuse?

Bapak told me, "It's your call." I thought the ultimate goal of every graduate of the Military Academy (Akmil) was to achieve four stars, to complete one's military career. But I debated with myself, analyzing my objective to go into the Akmil and I didn't recall ever having the ambition to become a future general. The Tidar valley (location of the Akmil) trains future leaders. And I consider this (the nomination) as a greater call.

Why didn't your brother, Edhie Baskoro, go forward instead?

We never know when we will have to make such a huge decision. Ok, perhaps, this is the moment for me. From the beginning, Bapak never mentioned my name. In fact, he was taken aback when my name came up. He went cold for a bit, "Why Agus?"

Did you have to ask the blessing of your brother Edhie?

I love this question because once and for all, I will erase the impression that we have a family problem (because of the nomination). Not at all. I know we have disagreements at times. Siblings have them sometimes, particularly if you are on the same path. But there was none (in this case). In fact, my brother was the third person to call me to (about the nomination). Thank God, we are a small family and we are quite open with one another.

You grew up in the military that no longer holds a political role. How did you learn and prepare yourself for this new career path?

Not many people imagine that the military does practice democracy. The principle of leadership in the military is universal: to win the hearts and minds of the people. People say winning an election is the goal, but not for me. It's the way to attain prosperity, security and justice.

No one is expected to understand everything. It's all about goodwill, effective leadership and good management. I learned leadership and management from the private sector. What is no less important is that I have a good mentor who not only possesses knowledge, but also experience in leading the country for a decade. (*)

Read the full interview in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine



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