Topic

Joko Widodoi

The former governor of Jakarta was elected Indonesian president in 2014 before winning a second term in 2019. Colloquially known as Jokowi, he has cast himself as an economic reformer committed to reducing red tape while also seeking foreign investment for major infrastructure projects. Security issues remain a priority as Indonesia continues to combat Islamic militancy. Widodo will also oversee the movement of the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to a new city in Kalimantan on the island of Borneo.

Advertisement
  • The Balik and Paser tribes living in the Sepaku district of East Kalimantan fear their land will be taken to make way for Nusantara’s core government area
  • The eviction threat sparked an outcry among villagers and rights groups, leading authorities to put off the planned demolition and deny claims of a land grab
videocam

The outgoing president may quit his party of two decades, after his tacit support for Prabowo Subianto in the election left the PDI-P with an “axe to grind”.

videocam

The Election Commission last week stopped displaying its ongoing official vote tally online, sparking criticism from activists, watchdogs and backers of Prabowo’s rivals.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement

Without providing evidence, both losing camps complained of voter intimidation, manipulation of state institutions, and misuse of state resources during the campaign period to sway the Indonesian election.

videocam

Questions have been raised about the former general’s possible role in 1998 anti-Chinese riots, but analysts believe he will want strong ties with Beijing.

videocam

Several analysts say Prabowo is unlikely to do anything to upend the economic cooperation that outgoing president Joko Widodo has established with China over the years.

videocam

Widodo’s pragmatic approach created a stable political climate and economic growth, but critics say democracy and human rights have regressed under his rule

videocam

Controversies have dogged this election cycle, especially of President Joko Widodo’s influence over state institutions for his preferred candidate Prabowo Subianto.

videocam

The ex-general and long-time presidential hopeful could win Indonesia’s top job without the need for a second round of voting, according to the polls – but much will depend on voter turnout.

videocam

Days before Indonesians vote for their first new president in a decade, opinion polls favour the ex-general bent on continuing an economic strategy anchored on business ties to China while vowing to sustain a more neutral foreign policy stance between Washington and Beijing.

videocam

Indonesia’s presidential hopefuls spent a frenzied final day of campaigning on Saturday, with front runner Prabowo Subianto using his rally to air grievances about ‘foreign nations’ sowing division.

President Joko Widodo has been accused of meddling in the February 14 election, in which Prabowo Subianto named Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his running mate.

videocam

Indonesia may have to boost diplomatic ties with Israel or leverage its relationship with OECD nations to hasten its application to join the group, analysts say.

videocam

The presidential front runner denied making a ‘very cruel’ comment on voters’ intelligence, as he fended off questions about women’s rights and his multibillion-dollar plan to provide free meals.

Controversy around his remarks also reflected widening rift in Widodo’s cabinet, with speculation that some of his ministers are considering resigning over the president’s election meddling.

videocam

Gibran Rakabuming quizzed fellow vice-presidential contenders on ‘difficult’ questions such as greenflation and lithium iron phosphate batteries.

videocam

Muhaimin Iskandar, the running mate of presidential candidate Anies Baswedan, said the government’s “downstreaming” policy had caused major environmental damage without significantly benefiting locals.

While Prabowo tops opinion polls, his stagnating numbers and a potential alliance between his rivals could deny him an outright victory despite Widodo’s ‘partiality’.