Ahok and I Prefer to Avoid the Limelight: Djarot
Jakarta. Incumbent Jakarta Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat says he prefers to meet his constituents away from the glare of publicity.
"Mr. Ahok and I prefer to go into the field quietly. We do not want any publicity. Especially for me personally; I have been like this for a long time," Djarot said, referring to his running mate, Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, by his popular nickname.
Speaking in East Jakarta on Monday (27/03), Djarot explained that he and Ahok get more honest public feedback on their programs when the media is not present, because people feel more at ease to raise complaints without having to worry about media exposure.
"It is not just campaigning, but more about checking on the various programs we have implemented; whether they are running properly [or not]. If the media exposes everything [we do], and more people show up [for our neighborhood visits], it becomes ineffective," Djarot said.
Scores of people usually flock around Ahok and Djarot to take photos and shake their hands, but this leaves the gubernatorial candidates with fewer opportunities to gauge public opinion or hear people's concerns.
"Our aims are not achieved with photo shoots, handshakes and others. This is why we are focusing on [impromptu visits]. We are not just informing the public about our programs, but also checking whether they are received well or not by the public," Djarot said
Ahok and Djarot have also campaigned on social media through the newly established "Ahok Show," hosted by Sarah Sechan, a public figure and presenter.
The show is intended to reach younger voters.
"The Ahok Show is good. It is better, since it fits the style of the youngsters, to appear as he is. Mr. Ahok also has a talent for standup comedy; it is good," Djarot said jokingly.
The incumbent pair is currying favor with voters to bolster their chances of winning next month's second round of the Jakarta gubernatorial election against former education minister Anies Baswedan and his running mate, businessman Sandiaga Uno.
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