One of the largest elections in the world is taking place on Wednesday, with over 100 million people casting their votes. The main focus is on the three-way race for the presidency of Indonesia.
However, the current president, Joko Widodo, who is not eligible for a third term, remains a significant figure despite not being on the ballot. Widely popular, he has made significant progress in fulfilling his promises to develop Indonesia’s infrastructure and welfare system.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that his presidency has also seen a decline in civil liberties, including the weakening of anti-corruption measures and controversial labor laws. Furthermore, his apparent support for Prabowo Subianto, a former general with a history of human rights abuses, has raised concerns among many Indonesians.
The election has sparked a debate about the future of Indonesia’s democracy, with fears that a victory for Prabowo could lead to a return to authoritarian rule. The outcome of the election is not only significant for Indonesia but also has implications for global geopolitics and environmental issues.
Despite its imperfections, Indonesia’s democracy is seen as a crucial outlier in a region where the will of the people is often disregarded.
2024-02-13 20:10:03
Link from www.nytimes.com