Jakarta, NU Online
Chairman of a reliable survey organization Polcomm Institute Heri Budianto said that the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association (ISNU) chairman Ali Masykur Musa could compete with Jakarta Governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in the 2014 presidential election.<>

Heri said that Musa’s popularity had increased as respondents considered that he had greater support from the Nahdliyin (the faithful members of NU) and interfaith organizations and activists.

“As a member who was born from and plays an active role in NU, it’s normal if Ali Masykur receives greater supports from NU members. Although he ranks third, he has the potential to garner lots of votes,” said Heri.

He further said that Ali Masykur had also been deemed successful in carrying out his duties as a BPK member, especially when it came to handling environment and food security issues.

A political expert from the University of Padjadjaran, Lely Arrianie, said if Ali Masykur could approach young people and capitalize on their supports, he would get an even higher electability rating. 

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq