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Gerindra Officials Disappointed by Solo City's Jokowi Birthday Banners
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Gerindra Officials Disappointed by Solo City's Jokowi Birthday Banners

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Gerindra party officials in Solo expressed disappointment over the city government's display of birthday banners for President Joko Widodo.
  • They questioned why similar banners were not produced for Gerindra's chairman and current President, Prabowo Subianto.
  • The party plans to clarify the use of local government funds for the banners.

Gerindra party officials in Solo voiced disappointment over the city government's decision to display birthday banners for President Joko Widodo. The banners, celebrating Widodo's 65th birthday on June 21, appeared at approximately seven locations across the city, using official city government resources.

Why is there no greeting for Mr. Prabowo when there is for Mr. Jokowi? This makes me a little disappointed with what Mas Wali gave to Mr. Jokowi, but why not Mr. Prabowo. Even though he is also a Gerindra cadre.

— ArdiantoHead of Gerindra's Solo branch, expressing disappointment over birthday banners.

Ardianto, the head of Gerindra's Solo branch, questioned why similar public displays were not made for Gerindra's chairman and current Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto. He noted that the Solo mayor, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is a member of the Gerindra party, adding to his disappointment.

"Why is there no greeting for Mr. Prabowo when there is for Mr. Jokowi? This makes me a little disappointed with what Mas Wali gave to Mr. Jokowi, but why not Mr. Prabowo. Even though he is also a Gerindra cadre," Ardianto stated. He indicated a plan to personally discuss the matter with the mayor and clarify the use of the regional budget (APBD) for the banners.

Yes, yes, this is our form of appreciation, we remember that the Surakarta City Government saw drastic changes during his era. Extraordinary development. Of course, this is a great appreciation from the Surakarta City Government for the 16th Mayor and 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia. Hopefully, he continues to inspire all of us who are currently serving.

— Gibran Rakabuming RakaSolo Mayor, explaining the reason for the birthday banners for President Joko Widodo.

Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, however, defended the banners as an expression of appreciation for Widodo's past contributions as the 16th Mayor of Solo from 2005 to 2012. He highlighted the significant development and changes Solo experienced during Widodo's tenure. When asked about Gerindra's concerns, Raka briefly responded that the banners were simply for Widodo's birthday.

Well, it's his (Jokowi's) birthday, what can I do?

— Gibran Rakabuming RakaSolo Mayor, responding to questions about why similar banners were not displayed for Prabowo Subianto.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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