Indonesia Elections 2024: All you need to know

Indonesia goes to vote today as it holds its fifth presidential and legislative elections since transitioning away from dictatorship in 1998.

With nearly 259,000 candidates vying for 20,600 posts in the world’s third-largest democracy, all eyes are focused on the race to succeed President Joko Widodo, whose influence could significantly impact the outcome of Indonesia’s leadership transition.

In the race to replace Widodo, also known as Jokowi, former governors Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan compete against the controversial frontrunner Prabowo Subianto.

Subianto, a former special forces commander, was once a feared associate of Indonesia’s late authoritarian leader Suharto in the 1990s.

📌 Why do elections in Indonesia matter?

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country globally, known for its rich culture and vast resources. With around 90% of its 277 million people being Muslims, it holds the title of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

Its strategic location (between the Indian and Pacific oceans) and memberships in key international organisations like the United Nations, G20, and ASEAN highlight its significance in global affairs. Political stability in Indonesia is vital for maintaining peace in the region.

Indonesia’s presidential elections also hold high stakes for the US and China and their mounting rivalry in the region.

Indonesia is a key battleground, both economically and politically in Southeast Asia, where global powers have long grappled over issues such as Taiwan’s independence, human rights, US military presence, and Beijing’s assertive actions in disputed waters, notably the South China Sea.

Under outgoing President Widodo’s leadership, Indonesia’s foreign policy has steered clear of openly criticising either Beijing or Washington. Instead, it has pursued a path of non-alignment with either power.

This approach has facilitated significant Chinese trade and investment in Indonesia, including the development of a $7.3 billion high-speed railway largely funded by China. Along with this Jakarta has also deepened defense cooperation and increased military exercises with the United States.

📌 Joko Widodo’s role in the elections:

Joko Widodo leaves behind a legacy of impressive economic growth and bold infrastructure projects, including a $33 billion plan to relocate Indonesia’s capital to Borneo.

Initially underestimated by rivals when he took office in 2014, Widodo quickly proved himself as a reform-minded leader focused on tackling poverty and inequality. Rising from humble beginnings in Solo City, he became Jakarta’s governor before winning the presidency, making history as the first outsider to lead Indonesia’s political and military elite.

Under Widodo, Indonesia saw a period of remarkable growth averaging 5% annually, except in 2020 when the economy contracted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Critics argue that Widodo’s leadership involved political compromises by accommodating supporters and ex-generals from the Suharto era, raising concerns about threats to Indonesia’s democracy. Opponents have accused him of covertly using his clout to back his son and Subianto to create a new political dynasty.

📌 Who is Prabowo Subianto?

Prabowo Subianto, 72, stands as the oldest presidential candidate in Indonesia’s political arena, having previously faced defeat in two consecutive runs against incumbent President Widodo. Despite his previous setbacks, Subianto now emerges as the front-runner in the upcoming elections, as indicated by independent surveys.

A former lieutenant general, he was once a prominent figure in the army special forces, known as Kopassus. He married one of Suharto’s daughters, establishing ties to Indonesia’s political elite, yet faced a dishonourable discharge in 1998 following the involvement of Kopassus forces in the kidnapping and torture of political opponents during Suharto’s regime.

In a bid to soften his image during the recent campaign period, Subianto and his strategists turned to innovative methods, utilising artificial intelligence and social media platforms like TikTok. Through these platforms, they portrayed Subianto as a warm and approachable figure, even showcasing his paternal side by highlighting his relationship with his youthful running mate, Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Despite facing criticism from human rights activists and enduring questions about his past, Subianto’s campaign has centred on promises of economic prosperity and job creation. He aims to generate nearly 20 million jobs in his first term if elected, appealing to the aspirations of the Indonesian electorate while striving to reshape his public image.

📌 Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan

Anies Baswedan, the former head of an Islamic university, served as governor of Jakarta until last year. Baswedan served as the education and culture minister from 2014 to 2016 but was removed from the Cabinet by Widodo as he accused him of failing to address the problems of thousands of students affected by forest fires.

In his campaign, he promised to prevent any backsliding in the democratic reforms achieved in the 25 years since the end of Suharto’s authoritarian rule.

Baswedan also opposes the plan to move the capital to Borneo, citing environmental concerns. He also warned against perceived threats, such as the choice of Widodo’s son as a running mate by opponent Prabowo Subianto.

Meanwhile, Ganjar Pranowo, the candidate from the ruling party, finds himself without the support of President Widodo.

Pranowo served as a legislator for the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle for a decade before becoming governor of the Central Java region — known for its significant electoral influence — for two terms. During his governorship, he controversially excluded Israel from the Under-20 FIFA World Cup hosted in his province, resulting in FIFA withdrawing Indonesia’s hosting rights, much to the dismay of local football fans and Widodo.

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