Jaja Suteja, Jakarta – The former Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil, has clarified that his placement of billboards reading "OTW [on the way] Jakarta" is not an indication of his intention to run for the governorship of the capital city but rather to promote a skincare product.

Ridwan, also known as Kang Emil, shared the clarification on his Instagram account on Thursday.

Speculations about Ridwan Kamil relocating to Jakarta intensified when he affirmed the decision to move from Bandung, his longtime residence, to Jakarta on his Instagram account.

"Regarding the billboard that caused a stir, it is not a political communication billboard. Instead, it is an advertising marketing billboard. I am now a brand ambassador for a skincare product," explained RK on his Instagram account.

"Why 'OTW Jakarta'? It's because the launch [of the skincare product] is in Jakarta," he added.

The speculation gained traction with the appearance of billboards featuring his photo in the capital. However, the current member of the Golkar Party denied these assumptions.

Ridwan said that he has not decided where to go yet. He mentioned that his heart still desires to continue his work in West Java. He revealed that he is also considering another option, which is taking a break to focus on family and business, even contemplating not continuing his political career.

The Golkar Party is preparing Ridwan and the former regent of Tangerang, Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, to run for the governorship of Jakarta in the simultaneous regional elections on Nov. 27, 2024.

"Both have received Golkar's letters of assignment for the Jakarta gubernatorial election," The Chairman of the Golkar Party, Airlangga Hartarto, said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, on Monday.

Airlangga explained that both candidates are being prepared by the party because they have contributed to the increase in Golkar's votes in the 2024 elections.

However, the final decision on which candidate will run will depend on the results of the latest surveys related to these two names. "We will narrow it down, and the selection will be made in a special Golkar forum," he said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/ridwan-kamil-sets-record-straight-on-jakarta-governor-bi