Farmers’ Association Endorses Jokowi at Monday Gathering

Jakarta Globe, Arman Dzidzovic & Markus Junianto Sihaloho, Jun 16, 2014

Members of the Indonesian Farmers’ Association wait for presidential candidate
Joko Widodo to arrive at Balai Kartini in South Jakarta on Monday. (JG Photo/
Arman Dzidzovic)

Jakarta. Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) presidential candidate Joko Widodo accepted the endorsement of the Indonesian Farmers’ Association (HKTI) on Monday at the organization’s anniversary celebration at Balai Kartini convention center in South Jakarta, despite Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party candidate Prabowo Subianto’s longtime association with the group.

“We decided after the presidential debate last night that the people who are able to lead Indonesia and who will listen to the people are Jokowi and JK,” HKTI secretary general Benny Pasaribu said, referring to Joko by his nickname and running mate Jusuf Kalla by his initials.

The endorsement came as a surprise to some: Prabowo was the chairman of the HKTI from 2004 through 2009, and has continued to refer to himself as such, including on the paperwork he submitted to the General Election Commission (KPU) last month formalizing his candidacy.

“We will say this to Prabowo Subianto: claiming to be the chairman of HKTI is unethical and wrong, as it can create a restive environment and uneasy atmosphere among HKTI committee and members,” Benny said.

Monday night’s debate, which focused on the economy and social welfare, saw Prabowo quick to mention the role of agriculture in job creation and economic development. He argued for ethanol subsidies — a policy he has long supported — and claimed that each hectare of Indonesian farmland could support up to six jobs.

A member of the Indonesian Farmers’ Association displays her support for the
 organization on her traditional paddy hat at Balai Kartini on Monday. (JG Photo/
Arman Dzidzovic)

Joko also emphasized agriculture, and he argued that an increase in government appropriations flowing directly to villages would provide concrete benefits for farmers, but his responses centered more on empowering small enterprises to compete globally.

Nonetheless, his approach inspired the confidence of the country’s largest farm association.

“The person who honestly defends the lives of farmers is Jokowi,” HKTI chairman Oesman Sapta said.

Thousand of HKTI members were bussed into the capital for the celebration, showing overwhelming support for the popular Jakarta governor, although Prabowo was also in attendance.

Hundreds were wearing red “Jokowi-Jusuf Kalla” shirts with “HKTI” emblazoned below, despite Benny’ claim that the decision to endorse the candidate had not been reached until Sunday night.

A bus parked outside the building, decked out with cardboard cutouts of Joko, blasted the candidate’s campaign songs, but some attendees said the celebration was about more than just the upcoming election.

“We came here to sing songs and celebrate Indonesian farmers,” music teacher and HKTI organizer Gerry Gustaman said. “It has nothing to do with politics.”

Related Articles:

Candidates Tout Lofty Agrarian Reforms for Indonesia

Joko Widodo Lays Out Agricultural Manifesto for Indonesia