Break-up of current presidential pair to determine winner of Indonesian presidential election

JAKARTA, Feb. 24 (Chinese media) -- The recent nomination of

incumbent Vice President Jusuf Kalla as presidential candidate is expected to

determine the winner of the upcoming presidential election, said political

analysts quoted by the Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Jusuf Kalla is the chairman of Golkar Party, which is

one of the biggest parties in Indonesia, and a strong contender for the

presidency. He announced to bid for the presidency on Feb. 20, though people had

believed he would continue the coalition with incumbent President Susilo Bambang

Yodhoyono.

Analysts said that with Kalla's nomination, all

presidential candidates should quickly choose a partner as the number of viable

alternatives is becoming limited.

"The presidential candidates must select their

running mates before the legislative elections, otherwise there will be no

available options," said Johan Silalahi, executive director of the Information

Research Institute (LRI), on Monday.

According to a recent survey from LRI, the selection

of vice presidential figures will be decisive for the outcome of the upcoming

Indonesian elections.

At present, the contenders vying for the vice

presidency include Hidayat Nurwahid of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS),

Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Bowono X, Prabowo Subiantoof the Greater

Indonesian Movement Party (Gerindra), Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and

Women's Empowerment Minister Meutia Hatta Swasono, Also Chairwoman of the

Indonesia Justice and Unity Party.

"If Kalla picks Hidayat as his running mate, Megawati

will most likely lose in the first round, meaning a showdown between President

Susilo and Kalla will be inevitable in the second round," Silalahi said.