TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) Jimly Asshiddiqie expressed optimism of a possible reconciliation between the two presidential candidates of the 2019 presidential election.

“I don’t need to go into the details, but in general, I convey that there is hope for reconciliation to take place,” said Jimly following a closed meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Thursday night, May 23.

According to Jimly, the holy month of Ramadan presents a perfect momentum for both incumbent Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and opposition’s Prabowo Subianto to create peace and unity after a heated election.

Read: Andi Arief Urges Jokowi, Prabowo to Meet to "Cool Things Down"

He also appreciated the Prabowo camp's decision to file an election lawsuit to the Constitutional Court (MK).

“Even though now might not be the time [for the meeting between Jokowi and Prabowo], but there is a sense of optimism. This, I think, could lower the public tension,” said the former election organizer board member (DKPP).

The three-hour closed meeting at VP Jusuf Kalla’s residence last night was also attended by former vice president Try Sutrisno, PBNU chairman Said Aqil Siradj, Muhammadiyah general secretary Abdul Mukti, former constitutional court (MK) chief justice Mahfud MD, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan and other prominent figures.

ANTARA