Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), flanked by the general chairperson of the Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, attended the closing of the Golkar Party leaders meeting here on Thursday evening.

The President, who is from PDIP, arrived at the meeting, which took place at the Senayan Sports Stadium at 8pm, to an enthusiastic welcome by thousands of Golkar cadres, raising posters bearing Jokowi's picture.

At the closing event, Golkar, which is the countrys second largest political party, planned to declare its decision to nominate President Jokowi as a candidate for the presidential election in 2019.

The declaration is expected to be read by well-known Golkar member Yorris Raweyai, before President Jokowi speaks.

Golkar members said they have chosen to support Jokowi for reelection in 2019 because the party shares in the policies of the government of President Jokowi.

Golkars vision of prosperity by 2045 also places as a priority economic development, especially infrastructure development such as the government of President Jokowi has carried out.

Golkar also praised the government of President Jokowi for having successfully carried out development during the past two years.

Thirdly, Golkar members believe Jokowi has the highest popularity rating, compared with others.

Following Jokowis victory in the 2014 presidential election, Golkar set up an opposition group with several other parties to oppose the government.

The party, however, has now changed its stand by supporting the government. In fact, one of its members has been included as a member of Jokowis cabinet, following the cabinet reshuffle announced on Wednesday.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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