REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Differences in political preference of Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board in 2019 presidential election would not affect the solidarity of the Islamic mass organization. Muhammadiyah young activist Khoirul Muttaqin said the organization is open, so that each cadre could express their attitudes.

Khoirul said Muhammadiyah was seemed to be portrayed to support Prabowo Subianto - Sandiaga Uno pair in medias. However, he considered it as personal preference.

"We have never made a comment about it, but once we get aspirations from grassroot, we establish Rumah Indonesia Berkemajuan," Khoirul said when declaring support for incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) - Ma'ruf Amin pair on Tuesday (Oct 9).

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Khoirul said before the determination of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, many of the organization's exponents gathered support for a certain figure. He gave an example, there was a group in Muhammadiyah that supported former Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gatot Nurmantyo, while others expressed their support for West Nusa Tenggara Governor Muhammad Zainul Madji  or usually called Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB).

Khoirul stressed the difference in support did not necessarily break the solidity of Muhammadiyah. Political attitudes may be different, but he reminded that friendship will be maintained.

"It doesn’t mean this is dividing us. Muhammadiyah is very egalitarian, independent and rational. This is normal in Muhammadiyah," Khoirul added.

Previously, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Youth Council, Dahnil Anzar Simajuntak, stated that he was appointed as Coordinator of the Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno national campaign team in the presidential election 2019. He took the position because he saw the figure of Prabowo and Sandiaga reflecting the characteristics of a leader with patriotism.

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