Jakarta. Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) politician Sandiaga Uno didn't deny reports of his planned move to the United Development Party (PPP) which has resurfaced lately, but he said on Thursday he needs time until the end of Ramadan to make up his mind.

The tourism minister claimed that he is faced with the dilemma of staying with Gerindra, which helped him win the Jakarta vice governor post in 2017, or moving to the Muslim-based party for new opportunities in the 2024 elections.

"This is a very difficult decision to make. I will be performing the istikharah prayer during the last 10 days of Ramadan to get a firm footing for my decision. God willing, I will have the final say after Eid,” Sandiaga said in a statement.

He didn’t say the reason that compelled him to consider leaving Gerindra. But many have speculated that he is aiming for the presidential election even if he participates only as a running mate.

“I ask my friends to have the patience to wait. I’m not limiting myself with certain goals, everything I do is genuinely for the interests of the people who want this country to advance, to achieve prosperity and create jobs,” he wrote. 

Sandiaga implied that his relationship with Gerindra Chairman Prabowo Subianto remains close and intact.

“He is a statesman who I fully respect. His ideas and thoughts always become precious inputs for me to move forward,” Sandiaga said of Prabowo.

But PPP Deputy Chairman Amir Uskara said Sandiaga’s arrival is only a matter of time.

“What we need to arrange is the best timing,” Amir told reporters at the parliament building in Jakarta.

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