The names of Erick Thohir and Ganjar Pranowo are included in the list of presidential candidates chosen by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) residents. This fact is based on research by the Center for Strategic on Islamic and International Studies (CSIIS).

CSIIS Executive Director Moh Sholeh Basyari said the name of the Minister of SOEs (State-Owned Company, BUMN) coincided with a number of other figures.

"The appearance of Erick Thohir in the top three surveys, it can be read that his approach to the NU community is quite effective," said Basyari, Wednesday (January, 26, 2022).

Erick himself has officially become a member of the Multipurpose Ansor Front (Banser) after successfully participating in the entire series of basic education and training as a requirement to become a member of the Banser at the Citra Alam Jagakarsa School, South Jakarta, Sunday (11/28/2021).

Basyari said that Erick's name was included in the list of presidential candidates chosen by NU residents in Central Java, Banten and Lampung, along with Prabowo Subianto and Ganjar Pranowo.

Basyari said the poll was conducted simultaneously in Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Malang, Yogyakarta, Rembang, Magelang, Tasikmalaya, Cirebon, Pandeglang and Central Lampung with a semi-research survey conducted on January 7, 2022.

"Survey data were taken by in-depth interviews. In indirect interviews, respondents were not in a position to know that their data was being taken," said Basyari.

Basyari said that the sample was chosen purposively which was intended to get the originality of the data from the respondents and to avoid the possibility of widening.

According to Basyari, the respondents were students from Islamic boarding schools who finished Friday prayers.

"Exit poll data is taken from the voters after leaving the voting booth. Exit prayer is data taken after the respondent leaves the mosque after finishing Friday prayers," said Basyari.

Erick Thohir currently serves as Minister of State-Owned Enterprises and is one of the important keys in handling COVID-19 and Indonesia's economic recovery.

Erick is also considered to have made a lot of breakthroughs during his tenure as Minister of State-Owned Companies.