Ombudsman to investigate violations in Jokowi - PSI Meeting

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ombudsman will investigate the alleged violations committed by President Joko Widodo or Jokowi who accepted the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) visit at the State Palace. The allegation arose as PSI stated the meeting was discussing Jokowi's winning strategy in the 2019 Presidential Election.

However, the Ombudsman will first confirm both to Jokowi and PSI regarding the meeting discussion. "Because we just got information from media only," said Ombudsman deputy chairperson Lely Pelitasari Sunday, March 4.

Lely stated if the information that Jokowi's winning strategy for the election had been discussed, Ombudsman will take further investigation. Ombudsman will hold a plenary meeting on Monday, March 5. "Our official statement will be released after the plenary meeting," Lely said.

PSI Chairman Grace Natalie and PSI DPP Chairman Tsamara Amany visited the State Palace to meet President Joko Widodo on Thursday, March 1. During the meeting, Grace claimed to have a discussion of the winning strategy for 2019 election with Jokowi.

Grace also admitted to had talked about the vice presidential candidate who will accompany Jokowi in the 2019 presidential election. She said that PSI will continue to support Jokowi whoever the vice presidential candidate.

The meeting discussion sparked criticism by several parties. Gerindra and PKS Party considered Jokowi to have abused his power by using the State Palace to discuss the 2019 presidential election. "Mr. Jokowi ignores the principle that should not be done by a President," said Gerindra Vice Chairman Ferry Juliantono, Saturday, March 3.

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