Jakarta – Jakarta Governor and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) presidential candidate, Joko Widodo, has said that any PDI-P-led coalition will consist of ministers best placed to handle the relevant ministry and will not be subject to party favors.

"If we have to form a coalition, it means there will be a sharing of ministerial seats," Joko said after his meeting with volunteer campaigners on Sunday night in Malang, as quoted by the state-run Antara news agency. "The mind is on money when it comes to lobbying... If [other parties] want to join us, then please do, but don't ask for anything, sorry."

Indonesian news magazine Tempo also reported that Joko was wary about appointing anyone to a ministerial portfolio based on cross-party lobbying. "Don't push someone for a ministerial position," he said. "We have to see whether the track record is good or not and whether they are professional."

Joko said he had never lobbied to gain favor when mayor of Solo and had backed off from making any back-room deals in Jakarta.

"I don't want to be president with a low percentage [of votes] – it will be difficult," Jokowi said. "This [country] has to be built together, but not with lobbying or transactions. Let's build it together. Cooperation is needed, but not lobbying."

The coalition government of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has not always been one of harmony, with the Prosperous Justice Part (PKS) opposing the move to cut Indonesia's costly fuel subsidy, for example. Some parties, including the PKS and the National Mandate Party (PAN) have expressed early interest in joining hands with the PDI-P.

"We are optimistic there will be a coalition [between PAN and PDI-P]," PAN chairman Bara Hasibuan said, as quoted by tribunnews.com on Sunday. "[PAN] and PDI-P have similar visions; we are both open and nationalist political parties."

While Joko may have avoided any marriages of necessity in Solo, it remains unclear whether he will be able to do the same on the national stage. "We have met 10 parties to discuss the possibility of a coalition," PDI-P party secretary Tjahto Kumolo said.

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/joko-pledges-avoid-back-room-deals-ministerial-appointments/