More than 204 million Indonesians will have the chance to vote for their new president on February 14. Incumbent Joko Widodo is in his second and final term and cannot seek re-election. Voters have a choice between candidates Anies Baswedan, Ganjar Pranowo, and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, with Prabowo leading in the polls. His running mate is the president’s eldest son, Gibran Raka Bumingraka. However, if no candidate secures 50 percent of the vote, a second round of voting will be held in June.
Prabowo’s candidacy is polarizing due to allegations of human rights abuses during his time in the military. He addressed thousands of supporters at a rally in Jakarta, where he shared his thoughts on why young voters are drawn to his campaign and how he plans to win over critics.
Prabowo highlighted his policies as rational, logical, and appealing to young people. He emphasized a long-term, common-sense approach to nation-building that builds on the work of predecessors. He also expressed a commitment to working for the good of all Indonesians, not just a certain segment.
In terms of Indonesia’s role on the global stage, Prabowo stated a philosophy of non-alignment, respecting all countries and powers while fostering great relationships with everybody. When asked about what an Indonesia under his presidency would look like, he expressed a vision of a dynamic, economically better-off nation with a focus on alleviating poverty and improving children’s nutrition.
Prabowo expressed confidence in the reliability of his supporters to show up and vote, reassuring them that his team is the real hope for them and that he will fight for their needs if elected. He called on voters to use their power to choose leaders who will fight for them and promised to defend and fight for them if elected.
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