Jokowi names Kalla as running mate

JAKARTA. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI-P) presidential hopeful Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has officially declared former vice president Jusuf Kalla his running mate.

"After comprehensive discussions with PDI-P chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri and leaders from coalition parties, we finally decided last night to nominate Pak Jusuf Kalla as my running mate," Jokowi said at the historic Gedung Joang 45 in Central Jakarta on Monday.

Jokowi announced the decision after signing registration documents to be submitted to the General Elections Commission, together with leaders from coalition members, namely the NasDem Party, the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Hanura Party.

Kalla firmly expressed his readiness to run with Jokowi in the presidential election on July 9.

"I am ready to accompany Pak Joko Widodo in the election and I hope that we can bring about a better future for Indonesia," Kalla stated, shortly after his nomination was officially declared by Jokowi. (ebf) (Margareth S. Aritonang)