Jokowi denies putting forth son's name for Jakarta leadership

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) dismissed the claim of putting forth the name of his youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, to political parties for nomination as leader of Jakarta in the upcoming regional elections (Pilkada) in November.

"I have never done that to anyone. I have not done so to political parties either. You can ask them," Jokowi stated in Karawang, West Java, on Wednesday.

The president emphasized that all aspects of Pilkada come under the realm of political parties, and the decision of whom to nominate as a regional leader is their prerogative.

"I am neither the party chairman nor the party owner, so do not ask me," Jokowi stated.

Earlier, Secretary-General of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) Aboe Bakar Al Habsyi accused Jokowi of interfering in Kaesang's candidacy.

However, the presidential office and Kaesang, who is also chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), refuted this accusation.

"Do not involve Mr. President. I am the chairman of PSI," Kaesang asserted last week.

He stressed that the decision on PSI's candidature for the regional elections lies with him as the party chairman.

While several politicians approached PSI for support, several factors will be considered in determining a candidate, Kaesang emphasized.

In February's general elections, PSI secured eight seats in the Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD).

"Many parties have proposed (the names of) their candidates to be supported by PSI," Kaesang remarked.

"The PKS Secretary-General's statement may be an attempt to close the door to a coalition with PSI. No problem," he remarked.

He expressed hope that those spreading rumors about him would not disrupt the regional election process by disseminating misleading and false information to the public.