Tjahjo Denies Discussing Presidential Election with Samad

Bogor, W Java, Jan 23 (ANTARA Lampung) - Former secretary general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Tjahjo Kumolo denied allegations that he discussed presidential candidacy with Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Abraham Samad ahead of the 2014 presidential poll.

"I did not talk about presidential election. I met him not in my capacity as the PDIP's secretary general," Tjahjo said here on Friday.

Tjahjo who is now the home affairs minister was in Bogor, West Java, to attend a meeting with President Joko Widodo and district heads/mayors from across Indonesia. The meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace took place on January 22 to 23, 2015.

The former PDIP secretary general did not deny meeting with Samad ahead of the July 9, 2014, presidential election. However, he stressed that they did not discuss presidential election, nor did he ask Samad to contest as Joko Widodo's running mate in the election.

"I met him as Tjahjo Kumolo. I did not discuss presidential election with him. That's all," he emphasized.

Earlier, Tjahjo denied that he had a tete-a-tete with Samad. He admitted that he frequently met with Samad at official events where he was accompanied by his staff.

When asked about a statement made by acting PDIP secretary general Hasto Kristiyanto that the PDIP elites had met with Samad six times, Tjahjo responded by saying it was Hasto's right to express his ideas.

Earlier, Hasto proposed that KPK should form an ethic committee following allegations that Samad had held meetings with political party elites ahead of the presidential polls.
KPK has come under the spotlight after it recently named national police chief hopeful Commr. Gen. Budi Gunawan in a gratification case.