Jakarta – The Buddhist People's Communication Forum (FKUB) has expressed its political support for National Mandate Party (PAN) presidential candidate Amien Rais and running mate Siswono Yudo Husodo a spokesman said.

The group had studied all presidential and vice presidential candidates thoroughly before making the decision, FKUB general chairman Gunabhadra Sphavira said here on Tuesday.

"The decision was made as Amien is a reformist and a religious, honest and modest person," Gunabhadra said.

Gunabhadra said Siswono was also a reformist and a nationalist who was popular with many groups in society.

The FKUB executive board called on members of the Buddhist community across the country to give their votes to Amien and Siswono in the presidential election to be held on July 5.