REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The incumbent candidate from Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has pocketed one name as his running mate in 2019 presidential election. Speculation over the figure then appeared, started from West Nusa Tenggara Governor Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) Zainul Majdi to former Constitutional Court chairman Mahfud MD.

However, PDI-P politician Maruarar Sirait, said actually the public will not be surprised by Jokowi’s vice presidential candidate. Moreover, the figure was well known over his track record and achievement.

Maruarar said Jokowi will not choose a figure that did not have a good track record. “We don’t buy ‘a cat in a sack’,” said Maruarar on Thursday (July 12).

In fact, he asserted there is no place in Indonesia for an instant leader.

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“For example, Jokowi has became a mayor, then Jakarta Governor, and now President, so to become a leader, must through process,” Maruarar added.

Earlier, Secretary General of Nasdem Party Johnny G Plate said Jokowi will announce his running mate in a near time. He assessed the name of the figure will be a surprise to Indonesian.

"The figure will be suitable for Indonesia 2019 - 2024 period, no matter he was a professional came from party's cadre or a non-partisan," he said at Nasdem headquarters, Jakarta, on Monday (July 9).

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