Gerindra Party Chief Patron Prabowo Subianto declared himself as presidential candidate and Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno as his running mate. The opposition camp finally announced the pair of presidential and vice presidential candidate late on Thursday (Aug 9) to fight against Joko Widodo and Ma'ruf Amin in the next Indonesia's presidential election.
"Leaders of three political parties, namely Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), National Mandate Party (PAN), and Gerindra Party have decided and trusted me and Sandiaga Uno to advance as presidential and vice presidential candidate for the 2019-2024 term," Prabowo in a press conference at his house at Kartanegara street, South Jakarta, on Thursday (Aug 9).
However, Prabowo demanded Sandiaga to give up his post in Jakarta provincial government. Sandiaga also should leave Gerindra Party to represent himself as independent candidate.
By doing so, Sandiaga would be more acceptable by all supporting parties. Sandiaga now is serving as Jakarta deputy governor and deputy chief of Gerindra Party Board of Trustees.
Prabowo admitted the process to decide candidate pair in presidential election 2019 was not easy and tiring. He built political communications with a number of political parties, including with Democratic Party. However, Democratic Party has not announced its decision to support either to Prabowo's camp or incumbent President Joko Widodo's camp.
Meanwhile, Sandiaga asked for blessing to be able to present a strong government focused on the progress of the nation. He wanted to build a strong economy and create more job opportunities.