Bogor, West Java – Former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso on Wednesday joined the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI) Marhaenism and said he would contest the presidential election under the minor party's banner.

Sutiyoso officially joined during a national meeting of the party presided over by chairwoman Sukmawati Soekarnoputri, the younger sister of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, who leads the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

"Of 16 parties that I know, PNI-Marhaenism is the right choice of political vehicle for my presidential bid. I have been familiar with the PNI since my childhood," Sutiyoso, a retired Army general, said.

The party's executive in charge of election campaigns, Yan Ali Asli, said Sutiyoso's nomination was not yet final. "We appreciate Bang Yos' incorporation into the party," he said, referring to Sutiyoso by his nickname.