Jakarta. Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri said on Sunday the ruling party needs time to pick a running mate for presidential nominee Ganjar Pranowo out of a line-up.

“Please be patient and wait for the date,” Megawati told reporters after a meeting with United Development Party (PPP) Chairman Muhamad Mardiono in Jakarta.

The PPP is so far the only party in the House of Representatives to join the PDI-P in nominating Ganjar for the 2024 presidential election.

"If asked now about who [Ganjar’s running mate] is, I have told Mr. Mardiono that we need to wait because apparently, many people will stand in line," Megawati added.

President Joko Widodo, who is also a PDI-P executive, earlier suggested a list of names who could potentially become a running mate for Ganjar, such as State-Owned Enterprise Minister Erick Thohir, Chief Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud MD, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto, and Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno.

But Prabowo and Arlangga have been nominated by their own parties as presidential candidates although a formal announcement hasn't been made.

Mardiono said the two parties still have enough time to carefully select a running mate until the pair is registered with the General Election Commission (KPU) in October.