If Ahok wins the DKI regional elections, the effect could be on Jokowi

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla admits his close relationship with DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

He also acknowledged proposing Anies’ candidacy at Pilkada 2017 by pressuring Gerindra Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto and then-PKS Chairman Sohibul Iman to nominate Anies as the candidate for Governor of DKI Jakarta.

This was conveyed by Kalla in an exclusive interview with Berita Satu editor-in-chief Claudius Boekan on the YouTube channel. News one, Friday (12/4/2020).

Kompas.com has obtained permission from Claudio to quote the video interview.

“I know Anies very well. I support him to run for governor, that’s true. In the evening, 12 hours before closing, I called Pak Prabowo and the president of PKS agreed, “said Kalla.

“I’m calling from New York. Because there are dangers, if Ahok wins, this scandal and the consequences could be for Pak Jokowi (President Joko Widodo), ”said Kalla.

Also read: According to Jusuf Kalla, Rizieq Shihab’s support does not determine the results of the 2024 presidential elections

Kalla said his closeness to Anies had been built since the governor of DKI Jakarta was still the rector of Paramadina University.

Kalla admitted that he often met Anies and prayed together on Fridays.

This closeness was built until Kalla became vice president during the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and Joko Widodo.

“Suddenly there is a problem in DKI (I told Anies) who just became governor, so be him. The process is very simple. I thank the party that supported him at that time, ”said Kalla.

When asked if he would suggest that Anies run for the 2024 presidential election and support him, Kalla felt it was too much to discuss now.

Also read: The story that Rizieq Shihab offered support to Jusuf Kalla during the 2009 presidential elections

He even always told Anies not to think about the 2024 elections.

Kalla suggested to Anies that he focus on improving Jakarta and, if the results are good, he will be a great asset in the 2024 presidential elections.

“I said that to Anies. Don’t think 2024 will come by itself if it works. Whoever it is, be it Anies, Ganjar Pranowo, Ridwan Kamil, Khofifah, it will depend on how much he wins this year. I said that to Anies, ”Kalla said.