JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) presidential candidate Joko Widodo on Monday (May 19th) announced former Vice President Jusuf Kalla as his running mate for the July 9th election, media reported.

"We are convinced that both of us can bring a movement of change to this country that we love," Joko told a cheering crowd at Gedung Joang museum.

Also Monday, the Golkar Party announced its support for Gerindra presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, in a major boost to the ticket.

Gerindra now has the backing of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), United Development Party (PPP) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB) as well as Golkar.

Prabowo last week named PAN chairman and outgoing Co-ordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa as his running mate.

PDI-P, meanwhile, has gained the support of the Hanura Party, the National Democratic (Nasdem) Party and the National Awakening Party (PKB), according to The Jakarta Post.

The ruling Democratic Party is still deciding which coalition to join, after admitting it had no candidate who could match the popularity of Joko or Prabowo.