JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the largest political party outside the government, sent a clear message that the party wants to taking back the government after the 2014 elections, Kompas reported on Wednesday (Jan. 15).

Pramono Anung, PDI-P senior politician, told Kompas on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum.

The former PDI-P Secretary General said as the party has desire to win legislative and presidential elections concurrently, the desire will become the main consideration of PDI-P to determine its presidential candidate.

Pramono, however, was reluctant to reveal the name of presidential candidate that would be likely nominated by PDI-P.

He admited that many people demand Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to stand for Presidency.

“Who will become the presidential candidate, let’s wait to PDI-P Chairwoman decision (Megawati Soekarnoputri),” said Pramono.

Jokowi has really cemented the perception that he is a demigod presidential candidate.
Various surveys, including latest survey from Kompas, pointing to Jokowi’s astronomical approval rating that almost pasing the 50 percentile point.

According to Kompas, Jokowi’s approval rating has soared to 43.5 percent from 32.5 percent in its previous survey released in June 2013 (and 17.7 percent in December 2012).

Another survey from another pollster, Cyrus Network, found that Jokowi could increase PDI-P’s approval rating up to 60.1 percent should the party nominate him prior the April’s legislative election. (haryantos@yosefardi.biz)