Jokowi not a puppet presidential candidate - Megawati Sukarnoputeri

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) de facto leader Megawati Sukarnoputeri has maintained that Joko Widodo or Jokowi is not a puppet presidential candidate.

On the other hand, she said Jokowi was selected by PDI-P to contest for the president's post in the 2014 general election as the Jakarta Governor was a leader with the capability to lead Indonesia.

"Jokowi knows what is right and wrong. He has the capability and is eligible to lead. Once more, Jokowi is not a puppet," Megawati said at a PDI-P national campaign at Sario in Kota Manado, North Sulawesi, on Monday.

Great Indonesian Movement Party (Gerindra) Board of Trustees head, Prabowo Subianto who was also the party's presidential candidate in a campaign, called on Indonesians not to choose a puppet presidential candidate, two days after PDI-P announced Jokowi as its candidate, on March 14.

Even without mentioning Jokowi's name directly, Prabowo's statement was described by political observers as referring to the popular Jakarta Governor.

According to political observers, Prabowo's statement could be interpreted as a disappointment of the Gerindra party leader against PDI-P which was blamed for a botched agreement signed in 2009.

In the agreement, PDI-P had pledged to support Prabowo as presidential candidate in the 2014 general election.

Meanwhile, PDI-P Central Board chairman, Bambang Wuryanto said the party would not entertain or reply to any sarcasm made by any opposing parties.

Any form of sarcasm from any parties would only benefit PDI-P and Jokowi himself, he said.