REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Businessman and founder of Mahaka Group Erick Thohir became the strongest candidate as chairman of success team of incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)-KH Ma'ruf Amin. His name has been cited by some politicians and vice presidential candidate of the government camp.

"Yes, Erick Thohir," secretary general of United Development Party (PPP) Arsul Sani when being confirmed about the strongest candidate to lead the national campaign team (TKN) of Jokowi-Ma'ruf, in Jakarta, on Thursday.

Although Erick's name was widely cited, the government coalition has not announced it. "It will be officially determined and declared tomorrow afternoon," Arsul said.

Republika owner and Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) chairman, Erick Thohir

On Wednesday, Kiai Ma'ruf hinted that Jokowi picked Erick as chairman of TKN. "Yes, I think Erick Thohir is...if I'm not mistaken, he has been determined. It will be announced later," he said after a meeting with Muhammadiyah officials in Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (Sept 5) night.

Earlier, secretary general of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Hasto Kristiyanto explained the announcement of head of winning team will not be later than September 7 since KIK has to form campaign team in provinces. So far, Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) chairman and Republika owner Erick Thohir and Najwa Shihab were among top list.

According to Hasto, Erick was nominated because of his success in leading Asian Games 2018. Other than Erick and Najwa, it was said that CT Corp founder CHairul Tanjung and Go-Jek founder Nadiem Makarim also have the chance to lead the TKN.

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