Ichsan Ali, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on Wednesday that holding a public office does not restrict him from endorsing specific candidates or participating in campaign events.

He made these statements while attending an event alongside presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, who has chosen the president's son as his running mate.

"A president is permitted to endorse candidates and take sides, provided that state resources are not utilized in the process," Jokowi told journalists at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.

Prabowo, serving as his defense minister, stood beside him during the interview.

Jokowi added that a president simultaneously holds public and political offices, making it common for them to engage in political activities.

When questioned about taking sides in the February 14 presidential election, Jokowi chuckled and responded, "I was just about to ask the same question, 'Am I taking sides?'"

He also asserted that all cabinet members have the constitutional right to participate in the election. Another cabinet member, Chief Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud, is running as a ticket mate for presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo.

Despite maintaining a neutral stance officially, it's widely known that Jokowi has thrown his support behind Prabowo's presidential bid since his son joined as the running mate in October.

Jokowi's youngest son, Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Chairman Kaesang Pangarep, has formally joined Prabowo's campaign team.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jokowi-says-president-can-take-sides-in-election