Jokowi delivered the request when he met JK at the vice presidential office here on Thursday afternoon.
However, Vice Presidential spokesman Husain Abdullah remarked here on Friday that Kalla prefers to focus on carrying out government duties as the incumbent vice president.
"Instead of refusing Jokowi`s request, JK chose to be a goalkeeper," the vice presidential spokesman noted when contacted by Antara here on Friday.
Abdullah said Vice President JK had contemplated on his choice to not be involved in the Jokowi-Ma`ruf winning team.
Furthermore, he remarked that JK is more concerned about the general interests of the nation and state than those of certain political groups.
"Hence, Kalla chose to remain consistent in carrying out government duties until the end of the Jokowi-JK administration without having to be involved in the presidential election activities," Abdullah added.
By not being involved in the Jokowi-Ma`ruf Amin campaign`s winning team, JK will be able to manage the government when Jokowi leaves for the campaign; so there are no vacancies in the central government during the presidential election campaigns.
"Hence, the government will continue to run well, especially when Jokowi is on leave for the election campaigns," he added.
Reporting by Fransiska Ninditya
Editing by Otniel
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
