Rhoma Optimistic about PKB's Win in East Java

Sidoarjo, E Java (Antara) - Self-styled dangdut king Rhoma Irama, who is the National Awakening Party (PKB)'s presidential candidate, has expressed his optimism that the party will win the legislative election in East Java, which is known as its stronghold. "We are very optimistic that PKB will win in this province. One of the indicators of the victory is the enthusiasm of PKB cadres and sympathizers in every campaign," he said when visiting Secretary General of PKB Executive Board Imam Nahrawi at his residence in Kedung Cangkring village in East Java's Sidoarjo district on Saturday. Rhoma, who is frequently present at the party's campaigns in various parts of East Java, said the campaign events had consistently attracted thousands of people. "They look very enthusiastic in their struggle, socialize with other people, and dream of PKB winning elections," he said. More importantly, ulemas and figures of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, have returned to PKB and committed themselves to help the party win the elections, he said. Therefore, he said he remains optimistic about running for the presidency. PKB chairman Muhaimin Iskandar earlier predicted the party will gain at least 30 percent of the votes cast in East Java, to contribute significantly to the party's vote tally nationwide. (*) Reporting by Sigid Pinardi