Blessings from Loji Gandrung
THE sun was rising as Solo Mayor Hadi Rudyatmo approached the dark grounds of Loji Gandrung, his official residence. Rudi, as he is known, with his thick moustache, dark batik shirt and black pants, was driving alone in a black Camry. He parked the car and entered the building's main room. "I have just consolidated in three places to ensure Jokowi's win," he said.
In the main room, a painting of The Last Supper hung on the wall. The room was a witness to the intense two-hour political discussion Rudy had with Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo on the last Sunday of 2013. Jokowi, as he is known, had come to Solo to wish him a merry Christmas. He arrived with his wife, Iriana. Rudy sat next to Endang Prasetyaningsih, his own wife. At a glance, it looked like a student consulting his teacher. "Jokowi shared his feelings about the presidential election," Rudy said.
July 1, 2014
THE sun was rising as Solo Mayor Hadi Rudyatmo approached the dark grounds of Loji Gandrung, his official residence. Rudi, as he is known, with his thick moustache, dark batik shirt and black pants, was driving alone in a black Camry. He parked the car and entered the building's main room. "I have just consolidated in three places to ensure Jokowi's win," he said.
In the main room, a painting of The Last Supper hung on the wall. The room was a witne
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