Megawati may support Ahok in 2017

JAKARTA. Former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri has signaled that she might support Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in the capital’s gubernatorial election next year.

"Yes, Megawati and Ahok are close. Megawati loves Ahok," Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said on Monday in Jakarta, adding that the party will support the current Jakarta governor to finish his work until the end of his tenure.

Megawati Soekarnoputri, the current PDI-P chairwoman, has a good relationship with Ahok, despite his decision to refuse party endorsement and run as an independent, Hasto said.

"PDI-P considers carefully those who want to be in the governor's post. The candidate should also have a close relationship with the president," Hasto said. (Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)