“Pak Antasari said he supported Ahok-Djarot based on his conscience. He believes the pair will join us as anti-corruption warriors to support continued corruption eradication efforts,” Hasto said as quoted by Antara.

He made the statement following the second official election debate at Bidakara Hotel on Friday, which was also attended by Antasari.

Incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama and Jakarta Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat perform at the second official debate at the Bidakara Hotel on Friday. (The Jakarta Post/Donny Fernando)

Antasari, who is also a convicted murderer, however, did not answer clearly when asked about which candidate he would support.

"I'm only observing because it’s about bureaucratic reform and public service," he said.

“These themes were in line with the general focus of the KPK when I served as chairman,” the retired prosecutor added.

(Read also: Jokowi welcomes Antasari to State Palace)

Antasari was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the high-profile murder of a businessman in a case that he has always claimed was orchestrated by parties who wanted to see him removed from the anti-graft body.

Antasari was recently granted clemency by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Jokowi commuted the final six years of his sentence. Antasari also benefitted from more than four years in sentence cuts from the Law and Human Rights Ministry. (bbs)