"I am still preparing the documents to take a temporary leave," Jokowi stated.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Joko Widodo, or popularly known as Jokowi, plans to soon take a temporary leave from the post of Jakarta Governor to run as the presidential candidate from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP).
"I am still preparing the documents to take a temporary leave," Jokowi stated.
The former Solo Districts Mayor explained that he opted for the temporary leave instead of resigning from the post of Jakarta Governor, as the latter is more time consuming. The governor remarked that in order to resign, he needs to seek permission from Jakarta citys parliament members, which will take more time and the campaigning period for the presidential election is nearing.
The PDIP and its coalition partner, the National Democrat Party (Nasdem), had selected the running mate for presidential candidate Joko Widodo for the July 9 presidential election.
"We are only waiting for a good day to announce the name of the vice presidential candidate," Nasdems Chief Surya Paloh stated after a meeting with Jokowi at the Nasdem Party headquarters in Central Jakarta recently.
The most important issue is how to utilize the strengths of the two parties to ensure that Jokowi is elected as president, Surya pointed out.
"Hopefully, there will be a change, which will be favorable for Indonesia. A vast majority of the Indonesian people are hoping for this positive change," he reiterated.
He added that Indonesia was facing complex issues. The constitution gave an opportunity to resolve them by strengthening the presidential system.
"That is what the Jokowi leadership will do," he pointed out.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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