9-6-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, has stated that he will interfere in next year’s presidential election to ensure a smooth transition of power, sparking criticism from observers who say that this raises political issues for the head of state. During a national meeting of the ruling party Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle on June 6, Jokowi defended his stance, stating that he has a “moral obligation” to meddle, using the Javanese word “cawe-cawe”.
Indonesia’s constitution prohibits state officials, structural officials, and functional officials in state positions from engaging in activities that can lead to partiality towards election participants, but with no official presidential candidates yet, the law cannot be used against Jokowi. However, political analysts say that from an ethical perspective and to strengthen democracy, the president should remain impartial.
Jokowi is constitutionally barred from a third term, meaning that Indonesians will elect a new head of state in February 2024. So far, three people have been endorsed by various political parties as potential presidential candidates. PDI-P has endorsed its member Ganjar Pranowo, the current governor of Central Java, while Gerindra and its coalition partner, the National Awakening Party (PKB), want Minister of Defence Prabowo Subianto to be the next president. Separately, Nasdem, the fourth biggest party in Indonesia’s parliament, as well as the Democrat Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), have thrown their weight behind former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.
Before Jokowi openly admitted to meddling in the election, analysts had speculated about it as the president had made several comments and held meetings with different political figures. He has also given statements about his favoured choice to be the next president since last year. On May 29, in an interview with several editors-in-chief of local media, Jokowi admitted that he wanted to meddle, stating that he can meddle for the country and national interest without violating any constitution.
Jokowi’s admission that he will meddle in the election has raised concerns about his impartiality, but he has not violated any laws yet. Observers say that although the rules justify it, it is better for the president to remain neutral for the public interest, especially since there is more than one presidential candidate.
