Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka look set to win the presidential election. What are the crucial issues to watch, based on their campaign promises?
As the former general settles into office, a further gradual dismantling of democratic checks and balances, institutions and individual freedoms is very likely.
On February 14, Indonesia’s 204 million eligible voters face a challenge in voting for the candidate with the clearest position on human rights issues.
The general has repeatedly said Indonesia’s democratic system is not working and the country should return to its original 1945 constitution, which could unravel many democratic reforms.
Pollsters are pointing to a Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming victory in round one, but it remains to be seen whether they have enough votes to avoid a second round.
My research found at least 60 instances of hate speech in a two-month span last year targeting presidential hopefuls.
Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, right, and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo.
Tatan Syuflana/AP
A court ruling has paved the way for current president Joko Widodo’s son to run as a vice presidential candidate, even though he doesn’t meet the minimum age requirement.
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto (foreground, left) and Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (right).
Wahyu Putro A/Antara Foto
The budget number, slated to cover a 25-year-period, is not peculiar. Nevertheless, weapon systems procurement needs to involve good governance, accountability and legislative oversight.
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.
ANTARA FOTO/ Wahyu Putro A/pras.
The visit by Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is unlikely to lead to significant defence industry cooperation between the two countries.
Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (central) greets supporters after a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, 17 April 2019.
Bagus Indahono/EPA
Indonesia’s General Election Commission (KPU) has announced incumbent Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s victory in 2019 presidential election. His opponent Prabowo Subianto, plans to challenge the result. Here’s why it will likely end up in vain.
An Indonesian man looks at an information board at a polling station in Banda Aceh on April 17.
Hotli Simanjuntak/EPA
Whoever wins the election, Indonesia’s foreign policy, in which the nation does not align with any superpower and has an active role in contributing to world peace, will remain.
Joko Widowo (centre, left) and his running mate, Ma'ruf Amin celebrate with supporters after the ‘quick count’ results showed him the likely winner of the presidential election.
Mast Irham/EPA
Jokowi’s challenger, Prabowo Subianto, has vowed to contest the result and urged his supporters to the streets – and that win him leverage in the new administration.
Director for Presidential Studies at Department at Digital Media and Communication Research Center, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada