Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy and the most populous Muslim-majority country, has elected a new president. According to unofficial results, Prabowo Subianto, the current defense minister and a former army general, has secured a decisive win over his rival, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of the popular outgoing president Joko Widodo.
Unofficial, Yet all But Assured
With about 70% of the ballots counted, Subianto has garnered around 58% of the vote, while Rakabuming Raka has received about 42%. If these numbers hold, Subianto will avoid a runoff and become the next president of Indonesia. The official results are expected to be announced by the end of February, but Subianto has already declared victory and thanked his supporters for their trust and confidence.
Subianto, 72, is a wealthy and influential figure in Indonesian politics, with close ties to both the current government and the former dictatorship of Suharto, who ruled the country for more than three decades until his downfall in 1998.
Quick Count Results Indonesia Election
This is Subianto’s third attempt to become president, after losing to Widodo in 2019 and 2014. In both occasions, he challenged the results and alleged fraud, sparking protests and legal battles.
This time, however, he seems to have achieved his long-held ambition, thanks to his successful rebranding campaign, his alliance with Widodo, and his appeal to the nationalist and conservative segments of the electorate.
What Campaign Promises did Prabowo Subianto Run on?
Subianto ran on a platform of strong leadership, national sovereignty, and economic development:
- Vowed to create more jobs
- Promised to boost the country’s defense and security capabilities
- Appealed to the religious and conservative voters
- assert its interests and role in the international arena
Possible reasons behind his victory
Subianto’s victory can be attributed to several factors, such as:
His successful rebranding campaign, which softened his image and portrayed him as a caring, humble, and relatable leader. He used social media platforms, such as TikTok, to showcase his personal and family life, his hobbies and interests, and his interactions with ordinary people. He also displayed his sense of humor and his dance moves, which endeared him to the younger and more casual voters.
His effective campaign strategy and organization, which mobilized his supporters and volunteers across the country. He also benefited from the endorsement and assistance of various political parties, religious groups, civil society organizations, and media outlets, which formed a broad and diverse coalition behind him.
What Prabowo Subianto’s victory means for the nation
Subianto’s victory marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s political landscape and dynamics. It signals the end of the Widodo era, which lasted for 10 years and was characterized by stability, reform, and moderation.
It also heralds the return of the old guard, which has links to the authoritarian past and the military establishment. It also reflects the growing influence and power of the Islamic and conservative forces, which have been pushing for a more prominent role in the public sphere and the state affairs.
Subianto’s victory also raises many questions and challenges for the future of the nation. How will he balance his promises and expectations with the realities and constraints of governing a complex and diverse country? How will he deal with the pressing issues and problems that the country faces, such as the pandemic, the economy, the environment, and the security?
What Prabowo Subianto’s Victory Means for the Region
Subianto’s victory also has implications and ramifications for the region and the world. As the leader of the largest and most influential country in Southeast Asia, Subianto will have a significant impact on the regional affairs and cooperation, especially within the ASEAN framework.
Subianto will also have to navigate the complex and dynamic geopolitical environment, where the rivalry and competition between China and the U.S. are intensifying and affecting the interests and stability of the region.
He has also expressed his support for the regional integration and solidarity, and his commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts, such as the South China Sea issue. However, he has also shown his willingness and readiness to defend and assert the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to enhance its defense and security capabilities.
Conclusion
Subianto’s victory in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election is a historic and momentous event, that will have profound and lasting consequences for the nation, the region, and the world. It represents a major change and challenge for the country’s political system and society, as well as its foreign policy and relations.
It also reflects the aspirations and preferences of the majority of the voters, who chose Subianto; a former Suharto old guard and special forces general, as their leader and representative.
