Ahok accused of maneuvering PDI-P support

JAKARTA. Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle ( PDI-P ) deputy secretary-general Ahmad Basarah has accused Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama of using the party by claiming its support, including from PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, to increase his own political capital.

“I believe that politics is dynamic. But it is impossible for the PDI-P to support an independent candidate,” said Basarah as reported by tribunnews.com on Wednesday.

As a politician, who had moved from one party to another and had experience as a regional leader candidate, Basarah said, Ahok was using any chance to politically maneuver himself for his own interests.

Basarah referred to a statement made by Ahok that claimed Megawati had advised him to leave his independent candidacy to acquire the PDI-P’s support.

Previously, however, several PDI-P politicians had also made statements that the party would open its door to Ahok if he wanted to be nominated by the party.

Basarah added that a political party was a reflection of gotong royong ( collectivism ), while an independent path reflected individualism and liberalism. “Therefore both are like oil and water that never unite,” he added.

He pointed out three things for Ahok if he wanted support from the PDI-P. First, Ahok should abandon his campaign as an independent. Second, Ahok should register himself for nomination by the party and follow the selection process, including the interview.

Third, the PDI-P would wait for the outcome of the Corruption Eradication Commission’s ( KPK ) investigation into the alleged irregularity of land acquisition in West Jakarta by the city administration, which according to the Supreme Audit Agency ( BPK ) had caused state losses, and a reclamation case in North Jakarta, as both matters inflict Ahok.

Basarah said declaring Ahok as a party candidate was risky because if he was declared a suspect, he would be prohibited from taking part in the election. “We don’t want to see a situation that after we declare him as a candidate, the KPK then names him a suspect,” he added.