JK-Wiranto pair expects more supports from Nahdliyin

Surabaya, NU Online
Presidential-vice presidential pair Jusuf Kalla (JK)-Wiranto expected more supports from Nahdliyin (NU followers) as holding an electoral campaign rally in East Java on Saturday (4/7), the last day of the campaining period, prior to the July 8 election.

Spokesperson of the JK-Wiranto pair Yuddy Chrisnandi said that East Java was deliberately chosen to be the last place of the electoral campaign rally because the province has been the largest mass of Nahdliyin across the country.<>

In addition, Yuddy said, East Java had also been considered as the second largest province in Indonesia after West Java.

"Pak JK choses East Java as (part of his special) appreciation to the main basis of the (Indonesian) largest Muslim organization NU," Yuddy said.

In his last day of campaign, JK proceeded to Pamekasan (Madura Island), Probolinggo, Lamongan and Surabaya to meet local prominent figures and ulema (Muslim scholars).

In addition to being supported by NU figures and ulema, JK and his running mate Wiranto have also been supported by Muhammadiyah figures.

As reported, on Friday (3/7), Muhammadiyah Chairman Din Syamsuddin said that members of Muhammadiyah had prayed for the victory of presidential hopeful Jusuf Kalla and vice presidential aspirant Wiranto (JK-Win) in the upcoming presidential race.

"Members of Muhammadiyah pray for God`s blessing to Jusuf Kalla to be able to lead this country for the next five years," Din Syamsudin said on Friday before Jusuf Kalla and students of the University of Muhammadiyah.

Indonesia will hold its second direct presidential election on July 8, 2009. (dar)