Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo claimed on Thursday that he is able to continue his routine as the Central Java governor without being disrupted by his campaign schedule.

He also said he never used the provincial budget to finance the campaign.

"We are not using the provincial budget [for the presidential campaign]. And it's not that hard to separate my time as a sitting governor – I leave Central Java only during holidays to avoid possible conflict of interest," Ganjar said during the launch of his campaign headquarters on Jalan Diponegoro, Jakarta.

His Jakarta trip was made during the national holiday to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the state ideology Pancasila.

Even during an official trip, Ganjar said he remains able to coordinate tasks with his team using technology.

"We aren't living in the Stone Age. In this digital era I can accomplish my tasks even during holidays using this small device," Ganjar said while showing his cellphone.

During the event, Ganjar also responded to concerns raised by potential rival Anies Baswedan, who alleged possible intervention in the elections by the government.

Anies, who is nominated by the National Democratic Party (Nasdem), said earlier that people are worried about "unfair treatment against the legislature and presidential candidates".

"In every election, everything can happen. So, if you're a candidate, you must not fear anything," Ganjar said.

Ganjar, the presidential pick of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), also defended President Joko Widodo's remarks that he might intervene in the elections.

"I don't think that [the president] will intervene to the extent that the elections will become unfair. I believe he only wants to exercise his political rights," Ganjar said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/ganjar-says-governor-duties-kept-separate-from-presidential-campaig