REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG — West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil asserted that he is a friend of vice presidential candidate of the opposition camp Sandiaga Uno. He said would wait Sandiaga to come to Bandung, West Java.
“For Mr Sandiaga Uno, I look forward to meet you in Bandung. He is my friend and his wife is also my wife’s best friend,” said Ridwan on Friday (Sept 14).
Earlier, Ridwan asked Sandiaga to reflect on himself related to Sandiaga’s appeal to regional heads to focus on regional development, rather than being involved in 2019 presidential election.
“Dear Mr Sandiaga Uno, before giving the statement, please reflect on your personal experience," said Ridwan.
Ridwan who is usually called Kang Emil gave an example of Sandiaga who became a campaigner in 2018 regional elections. In fact, Sandiaga served as Jakarta deputy governor at that time.
“In 2018 regional elections, Sandiaga came to Central Java to be a campaigner for Sudirman Said, then to West Java to be a campaigner for Sudrajat - Ahmad Syaikhu pair,” Ridwan explained.
Ridwan said that he and Sandiaga are friends. They have met several times directly, especially when Sandiaga was nominating himself as a candidate for Jakarta deputy governor.
“So, I’m a friend of Mr Sandi Uno, many people don’t know it. I helped him when he wanted to be Jakarta deputy governor and I gave advice to him, about two until three times,” Ridwan explained.
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Earlier, Sandiaga also said that his statement about the regional heads should not take part in 2019 presidential election was not meant for all regional heads in Indonesia. However, only for those who joined the opposition camp.
Sandiaga also apologized if his statement had offended Ridwan who has stated his readiness to campaign for incumbent President Joko Widodo-KH Ma'ruf Amin. He also said that he would seek time to meet Ridwan.
Sandiaga stressed there was no problem between him and Ridwan as they have been friends since a long time ago. “I really want to meet him (Ridwan Kami), but he is still busy,” said Sandiaga during his visit in Bandung, West Java on Thursday (Sept 13).
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