PDIP Nominates Gus Ipul, Azwar Anas for East Java Governor Race

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has nominated Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) and Abdullah Azwar Anas for the 2018 East Java governor race. The PDIP chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri said that the pairing has been chosen based on a specific mechanism instead of personal preference.

Megawati said that Gus Ipul and Anas possess the characters that represent the PDIP, including the capability to protect the people.

“We are not looking for perfect leaders, but we will find accomplished ones,” Megawati said in his address at the PDIP office in Jakarta on October 15.

The pairing is not implicated in any corruption scandal so far. She said that it is important for the ruling party to nominate clean candidates as the government continues efforts to eradicate corruption.

According to Megawati, Saifullah Yusuf and Abdullah Azwar Anas were chosen based on their vision. Moreover, the PDIP cadres are required to uphold the values of communal work (gotong royong).

“It’s our principle; Pancasila’s essence is gotong royong. Let’s work democratically,” he said.

Moreover, she also acknowledged their vast experience as local leaders. Saifullah, for example, serves two terms as East Java Deputy Governor whereas Azwar Anas is the Regent of Banyuwangi also in two terms.

Megawati considered that Gus Ipul and Anas are successful leaders.

DIAS PRASONGKO