Former Army General Prabowo Subianto Claims Victory in Indonesia’s Presidential Election
In a surprising turn of events, former army general Prabowo Subianto has declared victory in Indonesia’s presidential election. Unofficial results indicate that Subianto has secured nearly 60% of the vote, enough to avoid a presidential runoff. While these results have not been independently verified, reputable think tanks have proven their accuracy in previous Indonesian elections.
Subianto, who was considered the frontrunner ahead of the contest, addressed his supporters in Jakarta and expressed his commitment to governing for all the people of Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of remaining humble and called for unity among the Indonesian people, regardless of their background.
The unofficial early count shows popular former governor Anies Beswadan in second place with fewer than 22% of the votes, followed by rival Ganjar Pranowo in third. However, both candidates have disputed these results and stated that it is too early to call the election.
Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country and home to the largest Muslim population, conducted its election on Wednesday. With over 200 million eligible voters across 38 provinces, this election was hailed as the world’s biggest single-day election. However, organizing such a massive vote in an archipelagic nation like Indonesia is no small feat. The country spans three time zones, consists of over 18,000 islands (6,000 of which are inhabited), and has over 150 languages spoken.
One significant factor in this year’s election is the influence of young voters. Experts note that around half of registered voters are under the age of 40. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Subianto’s running mate and the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, acknowledged the impact of youth voters and expressed a commitment to involving young people in the future.
Prabowo Subianto’s victory raises questions about what his presidency will mean for Indonesia. He comes from an elite political family and has a controversial past, particularly during the years of the late dictator Suharto, who was also his former father-in-law. Accusations of human rights violations have followed him throughout his political career.
Despite his controversial background, Subianto has positioned himself as a supporter of Indonesia’s democracy. His popularity has risen since the 2019 election, largely due to President Joko Widodo’s tacit support. However, concerns about a potential increase in illiberal actions under Subianto’s presidency have been raised. He has advocated for removing presidential term limits, ending direct presidential elections, and curtailing human rights protections. Such developments could harm Indonesia’s reputation and its ability to attract foreign investment.
It is worth noting that deadly riots broke out after the last election in 2019 when Subianto contested the results. To prevent a similar situation, Subianto called for his supporters to calmly wait for the official vote to be declared by the country’s election commission, which will release its official results in March.
As Indonesia awaits the official results, voters express concerns about the return of authoritarian rule and dynasty politics. Some fear that Subianto’s presidency could lead to a resurgence of military influence in the country. Others worry about the potential for nepotism and corruption with the involvement of President Joko Widodo’s son as Subianto’s running mate.
The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape Indonesia’s future. As the world’s largest Muslim population and a key player in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s political landscape holds significant implications not only for its citizens but also for the international community.