TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo explained that his meeting with the ruling party PDIP chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri at Batu Tulis Palace, Bogor, on Saturday, October 8, 2022, was intended to maintain political stability amid global economic uncertainty.

"[Global economy that] is uncertain, unpredictable, difficult to be calculated," Jokowi said after the inauguration of Yogyakarta Governor and the Head of LKPP at the Jakarta Merdeka Palace, Monday, October 10, 2022.

Jokowi said that political stability and security are vital at this time. "We don't want big problems in the global economy to disrupt our economy ahead of the general elections," President Jokowi said.

In addition to Megawati, Jokowi claimed that he had also discussed the issue with chairmen of other political parties. "So I am talking intensely with party leaders about that, including the 2024 general elections, we can't possibly hide it," Jokowi added.

However, Jokowi denied that the meeting was part of Megawati's negotiation for him to support the House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani to become a presidential candidate in the upcoming election. "Ask Ibu Mega, a candidate has not even been decided yet," the President said.

Megawati who was also present at the inauguration ceremony at the State Palace refused to answer reporters' questions regarding her meeting with Jokowi.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO

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