Jokowi-JK Pair-up Difficult to Realize: Observer

Jakarta (Antara) - A political observer said the presidential and vice presidential pair-up between Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla was difficult to realize for certain reasons. "There were three reasons why Jusuf Kalla or JK must not become the running mate of Joko Widodo or Jokowi," Boni Hargen of the University of Indonesia said here on Monday. He said the first reason was that Kalla was once the vice president in President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's cabinet. When JK assumed the vice presidential position, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) was in the opposition. Cadres of the PDIP became the target for overhaul, he said. "After all, when JK was vice president, the PDIP was in the opposition. So, the desire of JK to become Jokowi's vice presidential candidate may spark suspicion that he was seeking power," he added. The second reason was that companies under the Kalla Group enjoyed a steady growth when Kalla was vice president and Golkar's general chairman. "If he serves as the running mate of Jokowi, it is feared he may become more dominant than the president," Boni argued. The third reason was that Kalla was still officially a prominent figure of the Golkar. So, with Kalla as the vice president, he could serve as an entry for the Golkar to enter the government. "I think the Golkar should learn how to become the opposition party," Boni added. The PDIP, which according to unofficial quick count results on the April 9 legislative election won the first place, had nominated Jokowi as its presidential candidate for the upcoming July 9, 2014, presidential race. It is now building communication with other political parties for a coalition and seeking a vice presidential candidate to be the vice presidential candidate with Jokowi in the presidential election. (*)