REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who become 2019 presidential candidate from Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has pocketed a number of names to be his running mate. He admitted that among of the names that still being discussed with his party are West Nusa Tenggara Governor Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) Zainul Majdi, former Constitutional Court chairman Mahfud MD, and Golkar Party chairman Airlangga Hartarto.

Jokowi mentioned those names after attending the Public Lecture of State Defense Academy of the NasDem Party. A number of party leaders also attended the event and several figures, including Airlangga, Mahfud, and TGB. Jokowi was asked by the reporters whether the three figures were included in his running-mate candidates list.

“Yes, they are on the list because the candidates certainly more than one,” said Jokowi on Monday (July 16).

Jokowi said TGB, Mahfud and Airlangga are good figures to be his running-mate. Proposals from coalition parties also will be considered. He asserted all the names will be discussed.

Earlier, Jokowi also admitted that National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin is one of his five running-mate candidates. PDI-P politician Maruarar Sirait has said that actually the figure of Jokowi’s running mate would not going to be surprising.

He assessed it would be no surprise because Jokowi would choose his vice president candidate based on the track record and achievement of the figure.  According to him, PDI-P nominates figure based on many things. In fact, he asserted there is no place in Indonesia for people who want to be an instant leader.

“For example, Jokowi has became a mayor, then Jakarta Governor, and no President, so to become a leader, must through process,” Maruarar added.

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