Desy Nurhayati, Jakarta – One of the pioneer organizations of the United Development Party (PPP) has thrown its weight behind the incumbent president and vice president to run in the 2009 presidential election.

Chairman of the Indonesian Muslims Brotherhood (Parmusi) Bachtiar Chamsyah said here Friday the group would support President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla on the basis of their success in handling the country's problems.

"Terrorism, corruption and other big problems have been handled strictly. That's why we should allow them to continue their leadership for the next term, so they can really settle the problems," Bachtiar, who is also the social services minister, said at the opening of Parmusi's national congress. He said it would be impossible to completely settle the country's mounting problems in only five years.

In response, Yudhoyono told the congress participants not to be premature in making their choices for the upcoming election.

"There's no need to be in a hurry, just follow the political process," he said. "I would rather focus on dealing with this country's problems than campaigning for the next election."

Parmusi was initially established as the Indonesian Muslims Party in 1968. Three years later, the Soeharto-led New Order regime merged the party with the largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the Indonesian Tarbiyah (Education) Union and the Islamic United Party to form the (PPP).

In the late 1990s, Parmusi declared itself a non-political Muslim organization. In the 2004 elections, Parmusi allowed its members to vote for any political parties besides the PPP. They were also allowed to vote for any presidential candidates other than Hamzah Haz, who was supported by the PPP. Some Parmusi members have since joined different political parties, with the majority still supporting the PPP.

Attending the event were PPP chairman Suryadharma Ali, Religious Affairs Minister Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni, Minister for Administrative Reforms Taufik Effendy, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie and Communication and Information Minister Muhammad Nuh. Constitutional Court president Jimly Asshiddiqie, deputy speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly AM Fatwa and deputy chairman of the Regional Representative Council Irman Gusman were also present.