Rupiah and race: where Indonesian election will be won or lost
As campaigning begins in the world’s third-largest democracy and most populous Muslim nation, polls reveal the issues likely to decide the race between Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto
But challenges are also mounting for Widodo following the double disaster of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake and the tsunami that hit Sulawesi last week, with a death toll that stands at more than 1,400 people and is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue.
The six-month campaigning period began on September 23, with presidential and vice-presidential candidates donning traditional costumes and releasing white doves to symbolise their pledges for peaceful opposition.
For the first time, parliamentary and presidential elections will be held simultaneously in the world’s third-largest democracy, on April 17, when 187 million Indonesians will be eligible to cast their vote.
The presidential election sees a replay of 2014, with incumbent Widodo taking on former special forces general Prabowo Subianto.
A newly released survey by Jakarta-based research house Indikator found that nearly 58 per cent of respondents currently favoured Widodo and Ma’ruf Amin, his running mate, whereas 32.3 per cent would go for Prabowo and his vice-presidential candidate, Sandiaga Uno. However, 25 per cent would consider voting for either side – suggesting Widodo’s lead could be challenged.
