REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Yusril Ihza Mahendra, chairman of Crescent and Star Party (PBB), has hinted at supporting incumbent Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at next year's presidential election. However, his party official support is yet to be announced as it will be discussed at PBB national coordinating meeting in January 2019.

"Insya Allah (God Willing). We are already together, but, later in January, it will be toward that direction (declaration of support)," Yusril said in response to questions from the press at the Bogor Presidential complex, Friday.

He was received by President Jokowi, who was flanked by Minister State Secretary Pratikno, at the Bogor palace, Friday morning.

"Insya Allah, it will be decided in January. But yesterday, we held meetings with (representatives of) 24 regional chapters (of PBB), and in general, they understand the steps that we have taken, and understand what I have done so far," he said.

Yusril was appointed as the lawyer of presidential candidate Jokowi and his running mate, KH Ma'ruf Amin, since early November 2018. Jokowi considered Yusril as a good friend.

According to Jokowi, he was Solo Mayor, PBB supported him. He once visited Yusril, and they had often met when Jokowi was the Jakarta governor

“I know him (Yusril) for a long time, when I became governor, we often met, so I think he is my close friend,” said Jokowi on Friday (Nov 30). 

Yusril said he was never opposed to the Jokowi administration, despite the criticism he had voiced sometimes. The criticism was constructive and made with good intentions, and therefore Jokowi listened to it and considered whether to apply it or not.

Indonesia will hold simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on April 17, 2019. The presidential race will be a repeat of the 2014 elections wherein incumbent Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Prabowo Subianto are set to go head-to-head.

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