Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The general chairman of Indonesias second biggest party, the Golkar Party, Setya Novanto, said here on Wednesday that the party would take an official decision to support President Joko Widodo when he seeks reelection in 2019.

"In this meeting, we will officially decide to support the nomination of President Jokowi for re-election in 2019," he said at the opening of a meeting of the party leaders.

The partys chief of patrons, Aburizal Bakrie, called on all the participants to support the decision.

He stated that the government of President Joko Widodo has made concrete achievements through development efforts in all sectors, including infrastructure and human resources.

He explained that the government continued building roads, airports and seaports across the country as well as putting in place health insurance and education assistance programs which meet the partys expectations.

"With strong confidence as chief of patrons, I declare my support to President Jokowi to continue to provide leadership in the next term," he announced.

He argued that Golkar is a loyal and honest supporter of the government although it would continue to criticize aspects that it considers not good from the performance point of view or not in the interest of the nation and the state.

Golkar would launch any criticism of the government in a civil way and professionally, he pointed out, adding that it would be dangerous if friends were always to offer praise.

A senior politician of the party, Akbar Tanjung, who is deputy chairman of the partys honorary council, remarked that if the decision is taken, all party cadres must abide by it.

"This leaders meeting is the highest decision making forum after the national congress," he reminded.

President Jokowi is expected to attend the closing event of the two day meeting of leaders being held on July 27 and 28.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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