For Jokowi's Sake, JK Prepares Logistics Needs to Political Consultants
Spokesperson Reveals Jusuf Kalla’s Role in Opening Jokowi’s Political Career Path
Spokesperson for Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK), Husain Abdullah, has reaffirmed JK’s role as the ‘opener’ in the political journey of Indonesia’s seventh President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), particularly in drawing him from Solo to contest the DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election.
This clarification was given to remind Jokowi’s loyal supporters of the historical reality behind his success in reaching the pinnacle of power.
“What we want to convey is to assure all of Pak Jokowi’s loyalists that he actually had a part in Pak Jokowi’s success in occupying the top rung of politics in Indonesia as the number one person. Of course, there is a process; in every contestation, there is a process,” said Husain in a Head to Head dialogue on CNN Indonesia TV, Wednesday (22/4) night.
“And that’s where Pak JK positioned himself, where his position is in that process,” he continued.
This support began when JK was impressed by Jokowi’s vision at a seminar in Semarang, which then led to intensive political lobbying to convince PDI-P General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Not just paving the way, JK even directly intervened to support all of Jokowi’s campaign needs in Jakarta.
Describing the totality of that support, Husain likened JK’s crucial contribution to the key that opens the gate to Jokowi’s political career.
“Pak JK focused and invited some of his friends to prepare the logistics, political consultants, all those needs were then prepared for Pak Jokowi. This is what Pak JK means; this chapter is like a law or constitution, there is an opening, there is the body, and there is a closing. He is in the opening part,” said Husain.
Meanwhile, JK’s recent emotional outburst and firm statement were apparently triggered by frustration over a series of attacks and smear allegations from some volunteers on social media, including those calling him a donor for mass actions.
Husain emphasised that JK has no personal issues with Jokowi, but is purely questioning the attitude of supporters who seem to forget history and continue to corner him.
“He is constantly cornered and suddenly accused of being a financier funding 5 billion, for example,” said Husain.
“He is uncomfortable with that. That’s why he said to his supporters, ‘What more do I lack? I am the one who first brought Pak Jokowi to contest in the DKI Pilgub’,” he added.
Previously, JK affirmed his role in Jokowi’s political journey until he could lead the country.
He also alluded to ‘termul-termul’ to compare with that role.
Jokowi himself has spoken out in response to JK’s statement in Solo on Monday (20/4).
Casually, he said, “Yes, I’m nobody. I’m a village person.”