Prabowo-Hatta pair out to 'capture' West Java

Vice-presidential candidate Hatta Rajasa is all out to ensure solid support from voters in West Java for himself and his running mate, presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, in the July 9 presidential election.

The former coordinating minister for economic affairs said West Java was the island's most populous area and the voting pattern there could indicate which pair would win in the coming election.

"Never in the republic's history, had an election campaign pair emerged victorious in the presidential election without winning in West Java. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had won twice in West Java, enabling him to win the presidential election in 2004 and 2009.

"This means a win in West Java would bring victory at the national level," Hatta said during his visit to Sumedang in West Java to attend the declaration of support for the Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa team, Wednesday.

Hatta said based on the latest survey, their popularity was rising as they had so far garnered 60 percent support from the people in West Java.

Despite this good sign, Hatta urged the party leaders and supporters to work hard as the presidential election was close approaching.

West Java has 32.2 million registered voters, accounting for 20 percent of Indonesia's total number of voters, hence a vital area for the presidential election candidates.

In the election this time, the Prabowo-Hatta pair will be facing the Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla duo.