Callistasia Anggun Wijaya, Jakarta – The Golkar Party has declared its political support for Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in next year's gubernatorial election.

The acting chief of Golkar's Jakarta chapter, Yorrys Raweyai, said his party's support for Ahok came without preconditions because the party wanted to offer Ahok the freedom to run as an independent candidate or on the party's ticket.

"It is up to Ahok, whether he will run as an independent candidate or with Golkar. In principle, we will support him. We will even let him to run with support from his volunteer group, Teman Ahok," Yorrys said during the party's regional conference (Musda) in Jakarta on Sunday.

The senior politician further said that Golkar had coordinated with the Hanura and NasDem parties. These two parties earlier declared their commitment to Ahok.

Attending the Musda, Ahok seemed happy to have Golkar's support. He revealed that he had been a loyal supporter of the party for a long time. His family members were also loyal Golkar supporters, Ahok said.

"The Golkar Party has always supported people who want to work for the public. This is what my father once told me. Golkar's support for me shows that the party has recognized my good work in Jakarta," Ahok said, with a wide smile. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/06/19/golkar-announces-political-support-for-ahok.html