TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Central Executive Board (DPP) Head Djarot Saiful Hidayat confirmed that former Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP), known as Ahok, met with PDIP Chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri moments after his prison release on Tuesday, January 24.

According to Djarot, Ahok’s visit was to wish Megawati well for her birthday celebrated on January 23. “[BTP] arrived on January 24 to congratulate her in an undisclosed location,” said Djarot to Tempo at Menteng today, Jan. 29.

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Djarot revealed that the two figures did not discuss anything related to politics, let alone invitations for BTP to join the political party. He maintained that PDIP never forces anyone to join the party and that it all depends on the person’s decision.

Rumors on possibilities of BTP joining forces with PDIP arose after it was first publically issued by Djarot himself, who said; “If BTP joins a political party, he would choose PDIP,” said the former Jakarta Deputy Governor.

However, the lawyer representing BTP Teguh Samudera previously confirmed that his client was asked to join PDIP, similar to other political parties that have shown similar intentions. “Pak Ahok is close to Ibu Megawati, but let him deliver the message himself.”

DEWI NURITA | KORAN TEMPO