Is Emil Dardak the future face of Indonesian politics?

Emil, the 33-year-old regent of Trenggalek, is running for a deputy governor post in East Java after making his way up the ranks off the beaten path of Jakarta

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Emil Dardak, 33, is a deputy gubernatorial candidate for East Java. Photo: Ceritalah

Published: 5:30pm, 13 Apr 2018Updated: 9:12am, 30 Apr 2018

The Malaysian polls aren’t the only electoral “game” in Southeast Asia. On June 27, Indonesians will be electing governors, regents and mayors in 171 locations. Indeed, three of the most-watched gubernatorial contests – West Java, Central Java and East Java – involve more voters than the hotly anticipated Malaysian elections.

Many observers see these contests as a key indicator of President Joko Widodo’s (“Jokowi’s”) chances in the 2019 presidential race.

Indonesia President Joko Widodo, with his wife Iriana, drives an electric motorbike during a visit to Agats district in Asmat, Papua province, Indonesia. Photo: Reuters

Moreover, the battle for East Java – a province with a population of over 39 million and 31 million voters – is witnessing the emergence of one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean’s) youngest and brightest politicians, the 33-year-old deputy gubernatorial candidate Emil Dardak, the regent of Trenggalek.

Often seen in the company of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s son, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Emil is nine years younger than a previous regional “shooting star”, Malaysia’s 42-year-old Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin.

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, candidate for Jakarta governor and son of former Indonesia president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, speaks after a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: Reuters

Emil has a casual, contemporary vibe. Shirt untucked, with sleeves rolled up, he greets everyone with a firm handshake and a boyish smile. His voice is similarly warm. After all, before entering politics, he was a singer, belting out hits such as Sesaat Kau Hadir (The Moment You Appear).