Indonesia Votes As 'everyman' President Battles Firebrand Ex-general
Faizan Hashmi Published April 17, 2019 | 09:15 AM
Jakarta, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2019 ) :Across 17,000 islands, from the jungles of Borneo to the slums of Jakarta, millions of Indonesians were going to the polls Wednesday in one of the world's biggest exercises in democracy.
Horses, elephants, motorbikes, boats and planes have been pressed into service to get ballot boxes out across the vast archipelago.
More than 190 million voters are choosing between an incumbent president lauded for his infrastructure projects and a fiery nationalist with links to a brutal dictatorship.
The call to prayer rang out across the 4,800 kilometre-long country, where almost 90 percent of the population are Muslim, as voting began at first light in restive Papua province in the east.
The campaign has been punctuated by bitter mudslinging and a slew of fake news online -- much directed at the presidential contenders -- that threatens to sway millions of undecided voters.
Leading in the polls, President Joko Widodo, 57, has pointed to his ambitious drive to build much-needed roads, airports and other infrastructure across Southeast Asia's largest economy.
But Widodo, a political outsider with an everyman personality when he swept to victory in 2014, has seen his rights record criticised owing to an uptick in discriminatory attacks on religious and other minorities, including a small LGBT community, as Islamic hardliners become more vocal in public life.
His choice of conservative cleric Ma'ruf Amin as his running mate has also raised fears about the future of Indonesia's reputation for moderate Islam.
Widodo -- a practising Muslim who has battled doubts about his piety -- jetted to Mecca, the birthplace of islam, for a brief, pre-election pilgrimage Sunday.
"There's clearly less enthusiasm for Widodo now," said Kevin O'Rourke, an Indonesia-based political risk analyst.
"His popularity is still up there... but he is not the inspiring figure that he was five years ago."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
44 arrested for kite flying in 24 hours
Boao forum for Asia 2024 concludes on successful note
Turkey's Erdogan to hold White House talks with Biden in May
Rana Mashhood appointed chairman PM's Youth Programme
IGP inspects under-construction safe city building, Liaquat Bagh Service Center
IG says security of foreign nationals, projects to be ensured at all cost
President Biden writes letter to PM Shehbaz, expresses best wishes for newly ele ..
DC Larkana chairs meeting regarding Youm-e-Ali arrangements
Interior Minister visits FC headquarters Peshawar
One dies, 28 injured after passenger bus overturned
US Fed's favored inflation gauge ticks higher as fuel costs rise
IESCO notifies 2-day power suspension programme
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
4 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
5 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago