Jusuf Kalla spoke openly about differences in political attitudes with Jokowi at the DKI Pilkada

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla was outspoken about his different political stance than President Joko Widodo during the 2017 DKI Jakarta Pilkada.

This was revealed by Kalla in an exclusive interview with the Editor-in-Chief. News one Claudius Boekan on the YouTube channel Berita Satu, Friday (4/12/2020). Kompas.com has obtained permission from Claudio to quote the video interview.

At that time Kalla recognized their support and called on DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to advance the DKI Jakarta Pilkada.

Also read: Jusuf Kalla to Anies: Do not talk about the 2024 presidential elections, build Jakarta as best as possible

Although President Jokowi never broadcast it, the public assumes that he supports Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) because of his closeness.

Kalla even lobbied Gerindra Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto and then-PKS Chairman Sohibul Iman to nominate Anies as the candidate for Governor of DKI Jakarta.

“Everyone has different political points of view. If that day I am different from Pak Jokowi, yes. But I always agree with the duties (of the vice president), but in our political elections we can be different,” said Kalla.

“That in this case, it is true that Anies is close to me. He is the president (Rector) of the University of Paramadina. Every Friday I meet to eat together. So we will discuss anything. Suddenly there is a problem in DKI, I said, ‘Go on. So Governor. So he (Anies nominated), “Kalla said.

Also read: Jusuf Kalla admits he supports Anies: if Ahok wins the DKI regional elections, the effect could be on Jokowi

According to Kalla, the difference in political attitudes between him and Jokowi in the DKI regional elections should not be overlooked. Because it doesn’t interfere with Jokowi’s performance in government.

“People seem to interpret me as contradictory, disobeying Pak Jokowi. We (Jokowi and I) never talk about who would be a candidate for governor,” Kalla said.

“That I encouraged Anies, yes, it was true that he nominated him. But after he legally nominated, we were going our separate ways,” he said.