I said a lot of things, regarding the situation in Solo, and I also conveyed my strong intention to run (for mayor)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is determined to contest the election for the post of Surakarta mayor which will be conducted in 2020.

In a meeting with the chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Soekarnoputri in Jakarta, Thursday, Gibran reaffirmed his readiness to take a political path and follow in his father's footsteps. "I said a lot of things, regarding the situation in Solo, and I also conveyed my strong intention to run (for mayor)," Gibran pointed out after visited Megawati's residence.

Besides, Gibran also provided a clarification related to the fake information that he would contest the election through independent channels.

"I already have a PDI-P membership card, and I also told Mrs. Mega that I would not run through the independent channels, as was said in Solo yesterday," he said, adding that the meeting with Megawati was conducted in a friendly manner.

Gibran's commitment to start his political career is also indicated by his statement to hand over some of his culinary businesses to his younger brother, Kaesang Pangarep. The 32-year-old is known as a food & beverage (F&B) entrepreneur who has launched various local brands, such as a catering service Chilli Pari, martabak (sweet or savory stuffed pancake) joint Markobar and beverage brand Goola.

Kaesang also ventured into the F&B business before graduating from the university by launching several brands, such as Sang Pisang and Ternakopi, as well as Mangkok Ku, a restaurant that was founded by the brothers in collaboration with chef Arnold Poernomo.

However, Gibran's chances of winning the mayoral elections appear slim because PDI-P branch in Surakarta has agreed to propose the candidature of Achmad Purnomo and Teguh Prakosa as mayor and deputy mayor.

However, Gibran has not lost hope. He said that he still had the opportunity to register for the local political contest through the Regional Leadership Council (DPD) or Central Leadership Council (DPP) of the PDI-P.

Related news: Not a must for Gibran, Kaesang to engage in politics: Jokowi
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Translator: Boyke Ledy Watra/Yashinta Difa
Editor: Sri Haryati
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