Zulkiefli is a member of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), which backs Jokowi’s rival Prabowo Subianto. Sitti, meanwhile, was previously a Democratic Party politician. She left the party along with her brother, former NTB governor Muhammad Zainul Majdi, who has also declared support for Jokowi.   

During the gubernatorial election, the pair was endorsed by the PKS and the Democratic Party, which has also endorsed Prabowo and his running mate, Sandiaga Uno.

“I follow the decision made by the Nahdlatul Wathan,” Zulkiefli said after his inauguration at the State Palace on Wednesday. He was referring to a local Islamic group in the province that is led by Zainul.

“[We] support Jokowi for a second period,” said Sitti, who was standing beside Zulkiefli.

Zulkiefli went on to say that he had been close to Jokowi since the latter was Jakarta governor, and that the President often visited NTB and once visited Sumbawa Island.

“Throughout history, no president has ever spent the night on the island [except Jokowi],” he said.

He, however, emphasized that he would not join Jokowi’s campaign team to avoid division among the people of NTB, but refused to comment on his defiance of the PKS' stance.

On the contrary, Sitti said she was open to the possibility of joining Jokowi's campaign team. (ahw)

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