TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party deputy chairman Fadli Zon said that his party would not support Basuk "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in the 2017 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election.

"It's definitely no [support for Ahok]," Fadli, who also serves as House of Representatives deputy speaker, said at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, July 28, 2016.

Back in 2012, the Indonesia Democratic Party (PDIP) and Gerindra were Ahok's main supporters, who was Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's running mate. After Jokowi was elected as the President, Ahok was promoted as the governor.

Ahok then declared his resignation from Gerindra when the party and the Red-and-White Coalition as the House agreed to revive the indirect system in regional elections. However, Fadli refused to reveal a candidate to challenge Ahok in the election.

"There will be a time for this. We're still waiting for a process to be completed at Gerindra. There's still enough time," Ahok said.

Ahok finally decided to run as a political party candidate in the Jakarta Gubernatorial Election, although he had pocketed 1 million identity cards to run as an independent candidate. Fadli said that the decision reflected Ahok's quality and consistency.

"It's up to him [Ahok]. People can change their mind in politics," Fadli added.

ARKHELAUS W | LARISSA H