Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has picked Jusuf Kalla as his running mate in the 9 July presidential election. Kalla, a veteran politician, served as vice president during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first term of office (2004-2009).
The outgoing governor of Jakarta made the announcement at a press conference held at the home of former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDIP) in the presence of the leaders of other parties that are backing his candidacy.
A coalition of liberal and nationalist parties has in fact come together to support Widodo in a political context complicated by the uncertainties associated with Islamists.
Jusuf Kalla, better known by his initials JK, was economy and finance minister in 2002-2004 under then President and PDIP leader Megawati.
Originally from Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi and the country's economic hub, Kalla was a major player in Indonesia's business elite before he became Golkar Party leader.
As vice-president, he proved more effective and thorough than President Yudhoyono, who showed hesitation, failing to deal with certain difficult situations.
As Indonesia's VP, Kalla was better at handling sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians in Poso (Central Sulawesi) and was instrumental in reaching a peace agreement with the separatists of the Aceh Freedom Movement (GAM) a decade ago.
The country's markets and Indonesian civil society groups seem to like Jokowi's VP choice, although doubts and resistance linger over Kalla's financial interests and pro-business outlook.
The two men will now face off with General Prabowo Subianto and Hatta Radjasa in the presidential poll slated for 9 July.
Meanwhile, the Golkar Party and the Democrat Party of outgoing President Yudhoyono have not yet decided whether to run their own tickets, and thus open up the race, or back the other candidates.