Megawati Reveals Reasons for Picking Jokowi

Badung, Bali, March 22 (Antara) - The general chairperson of the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, has revealed her reason for choosing Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as the party's presidential candidate here on Saturday. "Why I chose Jokowi to receive the mandate to run for president is because Jokowi is not only popular, but also he works hard, is sincere, committed and humble," she said in her speech at an election campaign rally in Badung, Bali. She added that she had monitored him and his style of leadership since he was the mayor of Solo, and later governor of Jakarta. She said Jokowi is a hard worker and has worked sincerely for the people and his region, and is humble and genuine in his behavior, she said. "Because of these qualities, Jokowi has become well-known in various regions in Indonesia. He has become popular not because he has conducted image building, but because of his character," she said. The former president, meanwhile, expressed optimism that Indonesia could become a great country, in view of its human, as well as natural resources. She said it was not easy to become an Indonesian leader because "a leader is not only a president, but also a figure who has a conscience, can provide protection, is just and honest. That is what I am looking for." Megawati said a leader must also have a commitment to improving the welfare of the people and care about them. She admitted she had previously made an inventory of candidates, but had never found the right one before the "skinny" emerged. "Although he is skinny, he is actually strong like a bull, and that one is Jokowi," she said. She said she once asked him if he would be willing to be a president. He answered, "If you assign me, I am ready. I am just a party worker." (*) reporting by riza harahap