TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo canceled his attendance in the gathering with Jokowi volunteers held today at the Tennis Indoor Senayan, in the Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta.

The volunteers consist of people who have backed the incumbent since he ran for the Jakarta gubernatorial election up to the 2019 presidential election. The crowd had waited for Widodo’s appearance since 15:00 up to 18:00 western Indonesia time (WIB).

Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko who was present at the gathering broke the news to the crowd, that understandably expressed their dejection.

“We understand your disappointments for his absence, but there is a significant verdict set to be delivered tomorrow that will define the nation’s future. That is why the president has something that needs to be done which cannot be abandoned. So please, understand this situation,” said Moeldoko in his acceptance speech.

In exchange, Moeldoko said that Jokowi will gift his volunteers with an event that will be held on July 7^th. “We will celebrate our success,” he said.

The significant verdict Moeldoko mentioned refers to the Constitutional Court (MK) verdict on the 2019 presidential election dispute set to be held on Thursday, June 27, 2019. If MK rejects Prabowo – Sandiaga’s lawsuit, Joko Widodo will be named as the president to serve the 2019-2024 administration.

DEWI NURITA