JAKARTA. The supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama under the Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) banner voiced their aspirations that they wanted Ahok to run as an independent candidate in the 2017 gubernatorial election despite mounting support from political parties.

"In our social media accounts, there are hundreds of Ahok supporters wanting him to stay independent. Each of the Teman Ahok founders also received dozens of messages wishing the same thing," Teman Ahok spokesman Singgih Widyastono told thejakartapost.com on Wednesday.

Despite efforts from Teman Ahok that had garnered copies of at least 1 million Jakartans ID cards to support Ahok in his bid as an independent candidate in next year's election, there have also been political parties throwing their support behind the outspoken governor. Parties like Golkar, Nasdem and Hanura now officially support Ahok and have even offered to run him on their political party tickets in the election.

Until now Ahok has not yet declared whether he would use a political party ticket to claim the capital's top post. Teman Ahok had let Ahok decide which path he would choose for his candidacy. The group said in a posting to its Instagram account that its only intention was to help Ahok win in the election and it would not have any problem if Ahok chose to run as an independent or a political party candidate.

Teman Ahok expected an official declaration from Ahok on his candidacy path, Singgih added.

The former East Belitung regent remained the most popular candidate in several polls held ahead of the election. Ahok is so far the only possible candidate declaring to run as a governor next year while several political parties are still preparing their would-be candidates. (Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)

Editor: Dupla Kartini