Jakarta. The Democratic Party has officially endorsed Ridwan Kamil and his running mate Suswono in the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial race. 

The party’s chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said Tuesday that Ridwan Kamil and Suswono made a great match, expressing his confidence that the pair would win the hearts of Jakartans.

“I believe that the ideas, creativity, and young energy that Kang Emil [Ridwan Kamil] has will be strengthened by Mr. Suswono’s experience and wisdom. They are the ideal match that can compete against anyone in the Jakarta election,” AHY said at the Democratic Party’s headquarters in Jakarta.

AHY lauded Ridwan Kamil’s past achievements as the Bandung mayor and West Java governor, saying it was no easy task due to the region's complexities.

“It is a province that boasts the country’s largest population. It has 27 regencies and cities and has its own complexities. He has made incredible achievements  -- be it from an economic, social, or cultural standpoint. He continued to motivate West Java’s youths, and now he is bringing this energy and ideas to Jakarta.” 

Suswono also possesses an “incredible track record”, according to AHY. Suswono was the agricultural minister during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono or SBY’s second presidential term. AHY is SBY’s son.

“We talked last night and [Suswono] presented how he wanted Jakarta to achieve food self-sufficiency and security. He wanted to see Jakarta turning into a more advanced economic center with its commodities,” AHY said.