Dicky Christanto, Jakarta – A group of students staged a mass rally near the Indonesian Democracy Party of Struggle (PDIP)' Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri's residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, pressuring her against choosing a vice presidential running mate with a military background in the upcoming presidential election.

"Please consider that those who currently appear to be the defender of the people are individuals who have had problems with human rights issue," rally coordinator Paulus Nico told journalists on the sidelines of the rally.

Grouped under the Save Indonesia Group, the students originated from several universities in Jakarta, such as the National University, Bung Karno University and the Indonesian Christian University.

Not long before the rally around 20 people grouped under the Megawati Supporter Group had also staged a mass rally at the same location. The group claimed to have brought the voice of PDIP grass roots who wanted the party to name Megawati as its sole presidential candidate.

"We don't want anyone except Megawati to be named as presidential candidate. It is her or the party would face resistance if it dares to name another person as candidate," Herman Pin, one of the supporters, said.