Activist Says Jokowi May Be Named Presidential Candidate

Balikpapan, E Kalimantan, Oct 14 (Antara) - Citizen journalist and activist Iwan Piliang said it was likely that Joko Widodo, the current governor of Jakarta, would be named the presidential candidate for his party, Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP), on Jan. 10. "I think so," he remarked here on Sunday at the official residence of Burhanuddin Solong, the chairman of Balikpapan`s legislative assembly, a day before attending the launch of a book about Burhanuddin, titled "My Way." He noted that the candidacy of Joko Widodo, or Jokowi as he is popularly called, has indeed been unstoppable. His popularity has always been high, according to polls, and Jan. 10 is the PDIP`s anniversary, Piliang said. Piliang predicted there would be a major change in the national leadership following Jokowi`s naming as a presidential candidate, adding that people who have prioritized work like Jokowi has will be awarded more senior positions and will become the engines of change. "Because that is what the nation actually needs," he stated. Iwan Piliang gained public recognition for his interview with M Nazaruddin, then a treasurer for the ruling party, who was wanted over corruption charges and had fled to Bogota, Colombia. The interview via Skype was path-breaking since this was the first time such an interview had been achieved in connection with a high-profile case while law enforcers were still trying to determine Nazaruddin`s whereabouts. Following the interview, law enforcers were later able to arrest Nazaruddin. "I took the interview as a common member of the community," Iwan remarked. With regard to Jokowi, Iwan pointed out that because of his close relationship with Jokowi, many people assume he is a member of Jokowi`s team. Jokowi, the former mayor of Solo, a city in Central Java, surprised many people with his victory in the election of the Jakarta governor, beating incumbent governor Fauzi Bowo, who was supported by many political parties. Jokowi, with his running mate Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, was supported only by his party, PDIP, and Gerindra, which had nominated Basuki. Jokowi is known as a humble man who enjoys reaching out to disadvantaged people living in poverty-stricken areas. As a result of his reputation, he has often been touted as the country`s next president. Indonesia plans to hold parliamentary elections in April next year, which will be followed by a presidential election later that year.