“The PPP is a party based on Islamic principles. Thus, in choosing and determining a leader, it must adhere to these principles,” said Bachtiar Chamsyah, a senior politician from the party’s Romahurmuziy-led faction, as quoted by Antara in a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.

Several senior PPP politicians from both camps, including  Abraham Lunggana, alias “Haji Lulung", Mardiono, Ubaidillah Murod, Zarkasih Nur, Tahir Saimima and Yudo Paripurno were present at the conference.

The press conference was held to counter the decision of both PPP chairpersons, Djan and Romi, who previously declared support for incumbent candidate pair Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama-Djarot Saiful Hidayat in the second round of the election. 

(Read also: Ahok-Anies final face-off loses steam)

Bachtiar said their support for Ahok-Djarot was not in line with Islamic principles, which are the party’s foundation. It s also clearly stated in PPP’s statutes and rules of association that the party must always support a leader of the same faith, he further said.

Bachtiar said the PPP would be socially condemned if it supported the Ahok-Djarot ticket.

Meanwhile, Lulung said the decision to support Anies-Sandi was a political choice based on the party’s statues and rules of association. This choice had nothing to do with ethnic, religious, racial and intergroup (SARA) sentiments, he added. “It’s in line with the party’s statutes and rules of association -- leaders chosen must be of the same faith,” he said. (mrc/ebf)