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akarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama is set to send a letter to the Home Ministry to officially nominate Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Djarot Saiful Hidayat as his deputy.

Speaking to reporters at City Hall in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, Ahok said that PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri had given him the green light to nominate Djarot.

'I have been informed that Bu Mega has approved Pak Djarot as Jakarta's deputy governor. Therefore, the PDI-P will send me a recommendation letter for deputy governor that will consist of Pak Djarot's name. I will send a letter to the Home Ministry to nominate him as deputy soon after,' Ahok said, adding that the government regulation (PP) to implement government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) No. 1/2014 had been issued, officially giving him the right to choose his deputy.

Djarot, 59, was the mayor of Blitar, East Java, for two terms from 2000 until 2010. During his tenure, he was known for strongly opposing the development of large malls, shopping centers and grocery stores in defense of local businesspeople. As an alternative to their construction, he held discussions with street vendors and relocated their operations to the city's main square.

Ahok said that he was fond of Djarot because although Djarot was a politician, he had extensive experience at the local administration level during his 10-year tenure as Blitar mayor. Djarot is also well-known for his efforts to reform the Blitar administration. In April, Djarot won a seat at the House of Representatives as a member of the PDI-P faction representing East Java.

Ahok said that PDI-P politician Boy Sadikin, son of the late Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin, who was previously endorsed by the Jakarta branch of the PDI-P for deputy governor, had declined the endorsement.

'I was told that Pak Boy declined although he was endorsed by the Jakarta PDI-P branch. Pak Boy said that he wanted to focus on his current position as head of the Jakarta PDI-P branch,' Ahok said.

Previously, in response to Ahok's wish, Djarot said he was prepared to be deputy governor. 'I am always ready to serve this country,' he said.

Separately, the Home Ministry's director general of regional autonomy, Djohermansyah, confirmed that the PP to regulate Perppu No. 1/2014 had been issued.

'PP No. 102/2014 on the appointment of a deputy governor, deputy regent and deputy mayor was signed by the President on Dec. 1,' Djohermansyah told The Jakarta Post in a text message on Tuesday

Without this PP, Ahok would have to let Jakarta councilors choose the deputy for him.

PDI-P acting secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said that the PDI-P, which together with the Gerindra Party endorsed now-President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and Ahok during the 2012 gubernatorial election, would support Ahok with his decision.

Hasto added that the party would send a recommendation letter to Ahok on Wednesday consisting of names deemed capable of being promoted as Jakarta deputy governor. He, however, refused to mention the names.

'In the end, the decision is in the hands of Pak Ahok. As an endorsing party, we will support Pak Ahok in developing Jakarta,' Hasto told the Post on Tuesday.