Anies Baswedan received nearly 41 million votes, or 24.9 percent of the total count, while Ganjar Pranowo garnered more than 27 million votes, representing over 16 percent.
The commission reported that more than 164 million Indonesians voted, representing approximately an 80 percent turnout of over 204 million eligible voters.
Prabowo, aged 72, was widely expected to secure the presidency on his third attempt. He is set to assume office in October after a transition period. His popularity surged due to his nationalist speeches, strongman image as defence minister, and endorsement from Widodo, also known as Jokowi.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promptly congratulated Prabowo, expressing Washington’s readiness to work closely with the former general, who was once on a US visa blacklist. “We extend our sincere congratulations to Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto on his victory,” he stated.
Prabowo’s opponents, former Jakarta governor Anies and former Central Java governor Ganjar, have vowed to challenge the result, citing irregularities and fraud during the election. They have three days from Wednesday to submit their complaints.
However, Prabowo’s legal team is confident that the result will withstand any challenges due to his significant majority and wide margin of victory.
‘X factor’
Last month, Indonesia held one of the world’s largest one-day elections with over 164 million voters and numerous candidates competing for various positions. After unsuccessful attempts in previous elections, Prabowo clinched victory this time with Jokowi’s backing.
The campaign was marked by allegations of ethical breaches and interference by Jokowi, who was accused of trying to establish a political dynasty through his son before leaving office. “Jokowi is the X factor that heavily influenced Prabowo’s victory,” said Firman Noor, a politics professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Observers also claimed that Jokowi released social funds before the election to sway rural voters in Prabowo’s favor. In a bid to maintain his influence, the outgoing leader made Prabowo an honorary four-star general despite past allegations of misconduct during his military career.
Democracy concerns
The incoming president has faced accusations from rights groups and former superiors regarding his alleged involvement in the disappearance of student activists in the late 1990s at the end of Suharto’s dictatorship. During his tenure leading the Kopassus army force, several activists went missing and were never found.
Although discharged from the military over the kidnappings, Prabowo has denied direct responsibility, and these accusations had little impact on his electoral prospects this time. Prabowo will inherit Southeast Asia’s largest economy, currently experiencing around five percent annual growth.
While there is optimism about the economy under Prabowo’s leadership, with his commitment to continuing Jokowi’s resource nationalism agenda, concerns remain about the future of Indonesia’s young democracy. Hurriyah, director of the University of Indonesia’s Center for Political Studies, expressed apprehension about the state of democracy during Prabowo’s presidency.
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