IRIA News

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in the presidential election after unofficial results showed him in a significant lead over his rivals. More than 200 million Indonesians cast their votes on February 14, 2024, in the world’s third-largest democracy.

The 72-year-old former special forces commander, who is running for president for the third time, had about 60% of the votes, with around 85% of votes counted, according to state-owned news organization Antara, CNN Indonesia, and Reuters. This number is just enough to avoid a presidential runoff.

Citing unofficial results, Subianto told thousands of supporters in the capital, Jakarta, that his victory was the triumph of all Indonesians. “We should not be arrogant. We should not be proud. We should not be euphoric. We still have to be humble. This victory must be a victory for all Indonesian people,” Subianto said in a speech on the night of the election. Prabowo Subianto’s running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka is the eldest son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi. Gibran joined the campaign after the Constitutional Court waived the minimum age requirement of 40.

There was no declaration by election officials by early February 15. The two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, who also competed in the elections, did not concede defeat so far.

Indonesia elections — the biggest single-day election in the world

Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country and home to the world’s largest Muslim population. More than 200 million people across 38 provinces were eligible to cast their votes on February 14. They chose between a former general, a former academic, and a public servant.

Indonesia’s election is unparalleled in its magnitude and scope. It is the world’s largest single-day vote, spanning 17,000 islands across three time zones. With over 200 million voters and more than 20,000 seats at stake, the logistical feat includes transporting ballot papers by various means, from planes and helicopters to speedboats and even ox-drawn carts. Polling stations opened from 7 am to 1 pm in each timezone, starting from the eastern regions. Experts highlight the pivotal role of young voters in this year’s election, with around half of registered voters under 40 years old, according to the General Election Commission.

Suatu kehormatan bagi saya dapat hadir di tengah-tengah ratusan ribu rakyat Indonesia yang datang ke Gelora Bung Karno.

Alhamdulillah, kemarin kita telah menutup rangkaian kampanye pemilu 2024 dengan penuh semangat dan kegembiraan.

Atas nama Prabowo-Gibran dan Koalisi… pic.twitter.com/xb6higzJNR

— Prabowo Subianto (@prabowo) February 11, 2024

Who is Prabowo Subianto?

Prabowo Subianto, 72, a former military general and current defense minister, leads the polls, championed by supporters who see him as a resolute figure capable of ensuring stability. He pledges to uphold Jokowi’s development initiatives, despite lingering accusations from critics about his alleged involvement in past human rights violations.

Human rights activists are alarmed by the presumed victory of Prabowo Subianto – who was once banned by the United States from entering for two decades and exiled in Jordan due to his human rights track record. He also served as a special forces commander in a unit associated with torture and disappearances. Prabowo has refuted these allegations.

This marks his third presidential bid after unsuccessful attempts in 2014 and 2019. His decision to team up with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi’s son, has stirred debate over potential dynasty politics. Critics argue that this move indicates Widodo’s attempt to establish a political dynasty, despite him being the first president outside the traditional political and military circles since the end of Suharto’s dictatorial rule in 1998, marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and political instability.

Other presidential candidates are two former governors

The other Indonesian presidential candidates were the two former governors.

Anies Baswedan, 54, Baswedan, the former head of an Islamic university, served as governor of Jakarta until last year. A former Fulbright scholar, Baswedan was the education and culture minister from 2014 to 2016. However, Widodo removed him from the Cabinet, alleging his failure to address the problems of thousands of students affected by forest fires.

Anies, who faced criticism for alleged alignment with hardline Islamic factions during his governorship, opposes Widodo’s plan to move the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to Nusantara on Borneo island, which involves constructing government buildings and residential enclaves by clearing lush tropical rainforests. Expressing worry over Indonesia’s democratic decline, he has pointed out instances like Prabowo’s choice of Widodo’s son as his running mate and vowed to uphold and revitalize its integrity if elected.

Ganjar Pranowo, 55, a seasoned public servant and ex-governor of Central Java, is from the same political party as Jokowi but lacks his support. He was a national legislator for the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle for 10 years before beginning his first of two terms as Central Java governor in 2013. During his tenure, he made headlines for rejecting Israel’s participation in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup, leading to Indonesia losing its hosting rights and facing criticism from soccer enthusiasts. Indonesia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations.

Pranowo expressed his commitment to accelerate Indonesia’s development, promising to continue the current government’s successes while addressing shortcomings. His running mate, Mohammad Mahfud, resigned as security minister to focus on the campaign.