Megawati wants Jokowi-Kalla win in one round

JAKARTA. Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri urged Lampung residents to help candidate pair Joko “Jokowi” Widodo-Jusuf Kalla win the 9 July presidential election, in a campaign rally at Lapangan Merah (Red Circle), Enggal, Bandar Lampung, on Tuesday.

“I want Jokowi-Kalla to win in one round. That’s why I invite all volunteers and people who want a change for a better Indonesia to vote for these presidential and vice presidential candidates,” she said in the rally.

Megawati went on to say that both Jokowi and Kalla had tested well as leaders. She said unlike his competitor who only had experience in the military, Jokowi and his running mate, Kalla, were already leaders in governance.

“Pak Jokowi is a simple person but with a high capacity. He has been successful in leading Surakarta and Jakarta. Meanwhile, Pak Jusuf Kalla was our former vice president and is now Indonesian Red Cross [PMI] chairman,” said Megawati.

Jokowi-Kalla supporters participating in the rally filled only half of the field. However, Megawati, who was accompanied by Kalla, was still enthusiastic about delivering her speech.

Former trade minister Rini Suwandi, former National Police chief Dai Bachtiar, former Lampung governor Sjachroedin Z.P. who is also the party’s Lampung executive branch chairman, and the party’s West Lampung executive branch chairman Mukhlis Basri were present.

Megawati said simplicity, honesty and closeness to the people were among the values why Jokowi would be a great leader. Meanwhile, Kalla was well experienced in handling conflicts in several regions in Indonesia, such as Aceh, Ambon and Poso.

“One of reasons why I, as PDI-P chairwoman, chose Jokowi as a presidential candidate was because he is honest, has achieved a lot, is close to the people and can respect the party’s senior members. Many people suggested that the PDI-P select Pak Jokowi as its presidential candidate, so finally, I chose him,” said Megawati. (Oyos Saroso H.N)