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n an interview with The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo expressed his confidence that there was no difference between managing Jakarta and Indonesia despite his lack
of experience in handling national issues.

He said that it'€™s the same being a mayor, a governor and a president as they all work for the people. He preferred to let other people judge his performance.

This is a clear sign that he is prepared to contest next year'€™s presidential election if the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) eventually endorses his nomination, as is widely expected by the party'€™s supporters.

In a carefully orchestrated public relations program, the party chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri has often appeared in public with Jokowi.

The governor also regularly visits the eldest daughter of first president Sukarno at her Menteng residence. The country'€™s fifth president has sent strong signals that she is in favor of Jokowi representing the PDI-P in the presidential race. Most polls show that the party has a very good chance of winning with Jokowi as the party'€™s candidate.

Jokowi himself has refrained from talking openly about his possible candidacy. He has said he has not thought about being a presidential candidate.

He also insists that although he has a good relationship with Megawati, he is but one of her choices.

However, Megawati, who has failed in three presidential elections, still believes that she can restore her luck and dignity if she runs again next year.

She completely controls the party although many within her inner circle often disagree with her. It seems that Megawati wants to ensure that Jokowi remains loyal to her while she also eyes a possible return to the presidency.