Unrest has been circulating in Indonesia over allegations directed towards President Joko Widodo and his administration in the build-up to the imminent election. Hundreds of students and activists took to the streets on Monday, protesting what they perceive as an abuse of power by the President and his son, who is also vying for the vice-presidential position.
The grievances being aired by the protesters stem from accusations that Widodo has been utilizing his power to unduly influence voters in favour of Prabowo Subianto, a presidential candidate known for his controversial past. Substantial concerns have also been raised about the President’s son and his credentials to run for the vice-presidential seat.
The rally was organized by Aski Gejayan Memanggil, who on Sunday took to his Instagram page to call citizens to action. His condemnation of Widodo’s ‘moral and ethical’ breaches, along with a critique of ‘dirty’ election practices, resonated with those disillusioned with the state of democracy in the country.
A film titled ‘Dirty Vote’ was released on Sunday on YouTube, criticizing the election process. Garnering over 5 million views, it amplifies questions raised over the fairness and integrity of the imminent elections.
While Widodo has refrained from directly endorsing Subianto, his public appearances alongside the controversial figure have been met with criticism. Transparency and probity in election campaigns are vital pillars of a strong democracy, and any speculation to the contrary can erode public trust significantly.
This turbulence isn’t limited only to Widodo. Prabowo’s campaign, too, has faced its share of controversy. Indonesia’s election watchdog previously summoned vice-presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka for questioning over a campaign violation. The Council on Foreign Relations even expressed concerns over Prabowo’s human rights record and Gibran’s experience, stating that Prabowo’s candidacy would seem less tenable without his links to the President.
Despite the controversies, a recent survey published by Lembaga Survei Indonesia (LSI) predicts Prabowo’s victory with an estimated 51.9% of votes. As the election fray has now ended with candidates barred from campaigning, all eyes are now set on this Wednesday’s elections.
With allegations of power abuse from a head of state, questions over an unprecedented vice-presidential candidacy, and public cries for a clean and fair election process, Indonesia’s democratic health hangs in balance. This week’s election will be closely watched by both the national and international community as a litmus for the country’s commitment to democratic principles and processes.