PKS stays in coalition, supports Boediono's nomination

After threatening to leave its coalition with the Democratic Party, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has decided to support the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's candidacy with his running mate, central bank governor Boediono.

After a closed-door meeting lasting more than an hour, with Yudhoyono in Bandung on Friday evening, the PKS said it would maintain its coalition with the Democratic Party, PKS chairman Tifatul Sembiring said.

"Yes, Insha Allah (God willing) the coalition will continues," Tifatul said in response to reporters' questions, denying that the meeting was centered on power sharing.

Yudhoyono had explained to the PKS he had picked Boediono as his running mate because he needed the economist to help Indonesia survive the global economic crisis, Titaful added.

Yudhoyono also cleared up accusations that Boediono was a neoliberalist, saying he was the person behind the enactment of sharia finance and Islamic bond laws, he said.

The meeting was held shortly before Yudhoyono's presidential nomination declaration ceremony. PKS secretary-general Anis Matta and consultative council head Hilmi Aminuddin also attended the meeting.

The PKS also made apparent its latest stance through Tifatul and Anis' appearance at Yudhoyono-Boediono nomination declaration.

Along with heads and representatives of other parties joining the Democratic Party's coalition, Tifatul joined a photo session with Yudhoyono and Boediono at the closing of the event.

Others in the group photo were United Development Party (PPP) chairman Suryadharma Ali, National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, National Mandate Party (PAN)'s Patrialis Akbar, and Indonesian Unity and Justice Party (PKPI) chairman Meutia Hatta.