"It is impossible for me to leave Teman Ahok as it will certainly disappoint them if I do. (I believe) the target of one million votes will be met," Ahok stated.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) reaffirmed on Thursday that he would still run with the help of an independent nomination by his supporters grouped in "Teman Ahok" (Ahoks Friends).

"It is impossible for me to leave Teman Ahok as it will certainly disappoint them if I do. (I believe) the target of one million votes will be met," he stated.

He made the statement in connection with the possibility that he will be nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) in the election for Jakarta governor in February next year. Ahok said he would refer the rumors to PDIP General Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri, Indonesias former President.

"I dare not talk about it. Let us wait and see what Bu (Madam) Mega would say. I believe Bu Mega knows what would be the best. She has always said to me that so far that I should give the best to Jakarta. That is what I have always taken that as a reference," he stated.

The Head of Jakartas Regional Assets and Financial Management Office, Heru Budi Hartono, has so far been chosen by Ahok to be his running mate.

As a civil servant Heru has to resign from his current employment in August 2016, ahead of the registration of candidates with the Jakarta Regional Election Commission.

Heru has said he would still be Ahoks running mate for the next election and so far it has remained so.

Ahok has pledged to Teman Ahok that he will run independently if they are able to collect one million IDs from his supporters and so far they have been able to collect more than 900,000.

Teman Ahok had initiated the move for fear that Ahok would be able to run after he left his former party Gerindra, following a dispute with the party over the direct election system.

Ahok has so far been rated highly with regards to popularity and electability.

He has been close to Megawati, whose cadre, Joko Widodo, is now the President of Indonesia. Ahok was Joko Widodos running mate when he ran for Jakarta Governor and won it before he left Basuki as Deputy Governor when he ran for president and won.

PDIP has the biggest seats in the Jakarta regional legislative assembly and so has a right to nominate its own candidate for the Jakarta gubernatorial election. So far it is still studying candidates to be chosen for it.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016