Marguerite Afra Sapiie, Jakarta – The campaign team of incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Ma'ruf Amin is eyeing conglomerates for financial contributions.
"We'll sell Jokowi programs to them. They have business here and they feel that Jokowi's policies have made it easier for them [in running their businesses], particularly in the realm of infrastructure development," campaign team treasurer Wahyu Sakti Trenggono said.The team opened on Tuesday an official bank account to collect funds for the campaign.
However, Wahyu said the team did not have its eyes set on any specific conglomerates because it was currently focusing on providing aid to victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi.
He also said Jokowi's team would approach the Association of Young Indonesian Businesspeople (Hipmi) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) for fund-raising and networking purposes.
"For example, we can hold a charity night and ask [Kadin chairman] Rosan Roeslani to invite his fellow businessmen," Wahyu said.
Periodically, the team will inform the public about the account's balance. The campaign funds will go to campaign tools, communication sessions with the media, running social media and all needs of campaign teams in the regions.
According to a General Elections Commission (KPU) regulation, individuals can only contribute a maximum Rp 2.5 billion (US$164,687) per year, while corporations can contribute a maximum Rp 25 billion per year. (foy/wit)