The country's far-right religious authority, Indonesian Ulema Council, is voicing their support for Rizieq Syihab, chief of the Islamic Defenders Front as a possible candidate in the upcoming elections.

In his opening remarks at the FPI's third national conference, chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Cholil Ridwan was resolute. "The figure who is most fitting to become Indonesia's president for 2014-2019 is Habib Rizieq," Cholil said, according to Tempo.co.

In his speech Cholil expressed the belief that the only way Islamic law could be fully realized in Indonesia is through its nation's leader. He is also confident that Rizieq would have a mass following across the archipelago.

"God willing, if Rizieq is interested to be nominated, every Muslim in Indonesia will support [him]," he said.

However, such a direction would require an organizational restructuring, with a much heavier investment in politics in order to support Rizieq's bid for president, Cholil pointed out.

In the report by Tempo.co, Secretary General of the Islamic Forum Moh Al Khotot joined in support of Rizieq, saying Rizieq's popularity was high compared to other names that have been mentioned as potential candidates.

Al Khotot added that if Rizieq moves forward with the plan, it is ideal for him to be paired with incumbent Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadharma Ali from the United Development Party.

"I am sure that if his name were to be listed, his popularity would reach 30 percent, especially if paired with Suryadharma Ali," Al Khotot was quoted as saying by Tempo.co.