Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has emerged victorious in the country’s presidential election, according to unofficial vote counts. The 72-year-old former special forces commander secured about 58 percent of the votes, based on “quick count” ballots at voting stations nationwide. This marks Subianto’s third attempt at the presidency, having previously run unsuccessfully. His rivals, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, trailed behind with approximately 25 percent and 17 percent of the votes, respectively.
The independent pollsters conducting the counts have a track record of accurately predicting the results of previous presidential elections since Indonesia began direct voting in 2004. However, a preliminary count by the election commission was slower and showed Subianto with 57.7 percent of the votes.
Subianto addressed his jubilant supporters at a stadium in Jakarta, expressing his gratitude for the quick results. He emphasized the importance of humility and unity, stating that this victory should be seen as a victory for all Indonesian people. Subianto was accompanied by his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko Widodo.
While Subianto declared victory, neither Baswedan nor Pranowo conceded. They urged the public to wait for the official result, which is expected by March 20 at the latest. Baswedan emphasized the need to respect the people’s decision, while Pranowo’s campaign team claimed to be investigating reports of electoral violations, alleging “structural, systematic, and massive fraud” without providing evidence.
Subianto’s front-runner status was largely attributed to the apparent support of Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi. Gibran, the 36-year-old mayor of Solo, was named Subianto’s running mate after a controversial court ruling on age limits. On the campaign trail, Subianto and Gibran pledged to continue the policies of Jokowi, who retained a high approval rating but was barred from running again due to constitutional limitations.
The incoming administration will inherit an economy that grew just over 5 percent last year and a series of ambitious infrastructure projects, including the transfer of the capital from Jakarta to the island of Borneo. However, Widodo has faced criticism for allegedly attempting to build a political dynasty, leading to protests against his alleged election interference in the run-up to the poll.
Prabowo’s victory marks a significant milestone in his political journey. As a former Kopassus special forces commander and son-in-law to Soeharto, he has faced accusations of human rights abuses. He was dishonorably discharged in 1998 following claims that his group kidnapped and tortured political opponents. Several of his men were tried and convicted, but Prabowo himself never faced trial. He has also been accused of human rights abuses in East Timor and Papua.
Ian Wilson, a senior political lecturer at Murdoch University’s Indo-Pacific Research Centre, noted that Prabowo changed his approach during this election. He targeted a younger demographic by remaking his image through cartoon figures, presenting himself as a “cuddly uncle” and casting doubt on his human rights record. This strategy seemed to resonate with the younger generation, for whom Prabowo’s past is seen as ancient history.
In conclusion, Prabowo Subianto’s victory in the Indonesian presidential election marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. While unofficial vote counts show him with a significant lead, his rivals have yet to concede. The official result is expected by March 20. As Subianto prepares to take office, he faces the challenge of continuing the policies of his predecessor while addressing allegations of human rights abuses. The future of Indonesia under Subianto’s leadership remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the country’s political landscape is evolving, and Subianto’s victory signifies a new chapter in Indonesian politics.
