Biz community declares support for Jokowi-Kalla

JAKARTA. Dozens of businesspeople grouped under the Businesspeople’s Community for Jokowi-JK declared their support for presidential candidate Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his running mate Jusuf Kalla on Wednesday.

"Both Jokowi and Kalla have business backgrounds. We believe that they, if elected, will create policies that are pro-business," the community's chairman, Yugi Prayanto, said during the declaration of the support in Jakarta.

Members of the community include construction and telecommunication businessman Halim Kalla, who is Jusuf Kalla's brother; the president director of cosmetics maker Mustika Ratu, Putri Wardani; and stock market businessman Sutrisno Bachir, who is also a former National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman.

"We have networks in 33 provinces and more than 300 regencies and municipalities. Our members nationwide will mobilize support for Jokowi-Kalla," Yugi said.

Putri acknowledged that the rival pair, Prabowo Subianto and Hatta Rajasa, also had business backgrounds. "But Jokowi and Kalla possess impressive track records. Their integrity has been proven," she said. (Bagus BT Saragih)