Indonesia's president is under fire for hinting he may not be neutral in next month's election to choose his successor.

Joko Widodo said on Wednesday that he is allowed to campaign for a candidate, despite previous remarks emphasizing neutrality for state officials.

Joko spoke to reporters while visiting an air base in Jakarta. He was accompanied by candidate Prabowo Subianto, currently defense minister. Joko said that the president is allowed to campaign and take sides. The crucial thing during the campaign is refraining from using state facilities, he added. "We are public officials but also political officials. We can participate in politics," he said.

This statement sent shockwaves through Indonesia because Joko had been seen as an advocate for neutrality.

Disappointed citizens took to social media, accusing him of interfering with the election. They also worried about possible damage to democracy.

Joko's remarks are raising concerns about dynastic politics since Prabowo's running mate is Joko's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

The 36-year-old was cleared to run by the Constitutional Court in October despite not reaching the minimum required age, in an unprecedented decision.

The court ruled that a candidate is qualified if he or she had served as a regional leader. The move ignited worries about nepotism since the chief justice is Joko's brother-in-law.

A senior official with the campaign of another presidential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo, criticized Joko's comment on Thursday. He said the president should stand above all groups and political parties.

The election is set for February 14th. The other candidate is former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.