Jokowi one step closer to top job
Rival raises hopes for peaceful outcome in Indonesian election
One of Joko Widodo’s top political opponents Sandiaga Uno, the vice-presidential pick of challenger Prabowo Subianto, said he’s open to working with Joko following a disputed election this month, raising hopes for a peaceful outcome. Prabowo has refused to accept unofficial counts that show Joko, known as Jokowi, has won a second term in office.
Indonesia election authorities have until May 22 to release official results.
JAKARTA: One of Joko Widodo’s top political opponents said he’s open to working with the Indonesia president following a disputed election this month, raising hopes for a peaceful outcome.
Sandiaga Uno, the vice presidential pick of challenger Prabowo Subianto, said he would put the national interest first no matter what the outcome of the April 17 election.
Prabowo has refused to accept unofficial quick counts that show Widodo, known as Jokowi, has won a second term in office.
Election authorities have until May 22 to release official results.
“The interest of the country is first and foremost,” Uno said when asked if he would consider a cabinet post if the count, as expected, confirms Jokowi wins again and makes an offer. “I want to contribute to the country.”
“It’s about how we can deliver the best impact,” he said in the interview, his first with international media since the vote.
“It doesn’t have to really be in the government. It could be outside the government, but again I don’t want to speculate.
“We’ll have these conversations after May 22.”
Uno, 49, is nearly two decades younger than Prabowo and has expressed a desire to remain in politics after amassing millions of dollars as a private equity investor.
He denied any rift with Prabowo, who has made repeated allegations of electoral fraud that have spurred protests from his supporters.
Uno’s apparent willingness to work with Jokowi could dampen fears of a drawn-out legal fight over the election results that could hinder policy making as a second term begins.
Jokowi is facing the challenge of spurring economic growth, keeping a lid on the costs of staples and creating jobs, especially for the country’s millennials and growing middle class. — Bloomberg