Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil is firm with his decision to run for West Java Governor next year. National Democratic Party (NasDem) has officially announced its endorsement for Ridwans candidacy on Sunday.
I thank NasDem for their faith in me that I dont have to pay (for their endorsement). NasDem started this movement of ethical politics, he said on Sunday. I am entrusted by the people of West Java to run as governor and NasDem represents that faith in me through their support. We will win the election with noble ways and through a good process.
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However, many have questioned his move and urged Ridwan to remain Bandung Mayor for the next term. Last week, a group of volunteers who supported him in 2013 Bandung Election held a press conference urging Ridwan to not leave his current job.
The number of backlash has been increasing after Ridwan openly accepted NasDems endorsement with people saying that his political ambition will not get him anywhere better. An expert from Padjajaran University, Muradi, told Kompas that Ridwans ambition will make Bandung residents feel left behind and NasDem being his first supporter will hinder other parties to support him, especially when NasDem only has five seats in the local parliament.
Some also complained why Ridwan chooses NasDem that is still supporting Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama despite the latter is a suspect in a blasphemy case.
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Ridwan answered all allegations regarding his ambition and party choice yesterday.
Through his Instagram post caption, Ridwan said that what happens in Jakarta does not reflect what happens in other cities. Thus, NasDems support for Ahok is irrelevant to their support for him in West Java election.
Young people, lets talk about practical politics. Answer me, why do opposing parties in Jakarta elections are collaborating in other cities elections? he wrote.
Different region has different issues. They dont take issues in Jakarta election personally. Jakartas issues are only for Jakarta residents. Politics are personal choice. Go ahead if you want to be happy or angry. There are emotional voters as well as the rationals ones.
On another post, he said that as an independent candidate, the ethical thing to do is accepting those who are willing to support him as rejecting support will make him seen as arrogant.
After all, reaching the final decision is still a long way to go. If I get more support, Ill wait for it, and even if I dont, Ill just accept it, he wrote.
And for why I dont go with the previous party (who supported me in 2013), I have been communicating with them but theres no answer yet. Its not sure whether they want me anyway. Each party has its own schedule and procedure that we have to respect.
And regarding his seemingly big ambition for power, he claimed that his bid for the gubernatorial seat is just to serve a bigger public.
If its only about ambition, I wouldve run in Jakarta election yesterday. Next year Ill be done with my duty as Bandung mayor. Ill finish on time, he wrote.
Its true that my promises for Bandung are not done, but there are still the 2017 and 2018 budget years to finish it all.
And what if he lose the West Java election?
Not a problem for me. Im not jobless and I dont see politics as a mean to make a living. Ill be happy to go back to being a lecturer and architect, he wrote.
Its okay if people bully me and hate me. Its a fate in politics. Politics is about fighting for values and dreams and in the process its impossible to make everybody happy.