12-12-2023 (JAKARTA) As Indonesia prepares for its upcoming presidential election in February, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has solidified his lead in the polls, positioning himself as a formidable candidate and a frontrunner in the race for the nation’s highest office.
Recent surveys conducted by various agencies reveal a commanding advantage for the former general, with a lead exceeding 20 points. The latest poll by Kompas, released on December 11, indicates that Prabowo, along with his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming, the 36-year-old son of President Joko Widodo, commands 39.3 per cent of the vote.
The survey identifies former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan as Prabowo’s closest competitor, securing 16.7 per cent, followed by Ganjar Pranowo with 15.3 per cent. This marks the first instance where Anies has surpassed Ganjar in the polls, reflecting a rising trajectory observed in other recent surveys.
Additional data from two separate polls conducted over the weekend by Indikator Politik and Lembaga Survei Indonesia further substantiate Prabowo’s lead, with 45.8 per cent and 45.6 per cent of the vote, respectively. Both polls illustrate Prabowo maintaining a substantial margin of over 20 percentage points against his nearest rivals.
These results emerge just weeks after the official commencement of the election campaign. The inaugural presidential debate, centred on topics of law, democracy, and human rights, is scheduled for December 12.
Controversy surrounds President Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming, as a decision by the constitutional court in October paved the way for his candidacy, prompting concerns about deepening dynastic and patronage politics in the world’s third-largest democracy. Despite the criticism, the polls indicate that Prabowo’s popularity remains unaffected.
Prabowo, known for his past controversies, including alleged human rights abuses in Timor-Leste and involvement in the kidnapping of student activists in 1998, continues to deny these claims. In a notable shift, he is rebranding himself as an amiable figure, portraying a fondness for cats and showcasing his spontaneous Javanese dance moves, gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok.
As the countdown to Indonesia’s presidential election on February 14, 2024, continues, the possibility of a second round in June looms if no candidate secures a majority in the initial vote.
