Crescent Star Party's Yusril enters Indonesian presidential race

December 10, 2013

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SURABAYA, Indonesia – Crescent Star Party (PBB) advisory board head Yusril Ihza Mahendra announced Sunday (December 8th) his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, local media reported.

"I received the mandate of PBB because I know this nation's fundamental problems," he said, according to Kompas.

Yusril, an attorney, isn't guaranteed a spot on the 2014 ticket due to the 2008 Law on Presidential Elections but will file for a judicial review, according to the Jakarta Globe.

The PBB, one of several Islamic political parties in Indonesia, holds no seats in the House of Representatives and under law, can only field a candidate if they receive support from 20% of the House or if the party receives 25% of votes in the legislative election.

Yusril was a speech writer for four presidents and served as justice and human rights minister. Once a state secretary for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, he also is seen as a controversial figure after defending prominent corruption suspects.

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