Will Indonesia’s Prabowo ‘benefit’ from protests against proposed changes to election law?
Despite relying on Widodo for much of his electoral success, Prabowo is likely to seek to distance himself from the president, analysts say
Over the weekend, Prabowo indicated he was siding with the protesters in their effort to uphold Indonesia’s constitution while denouncing politicians prioritising their own interests.
“We come to the people [in elections] to ask for the people’s mandate […] that’s what we do as political parties,” Prabowo said at the National Mandate Party’s national congress in Jakarta on Sunday.
“But some have an endless thirst for power. And, with the powers [bestowed upon them], seek to pursue interests other than those of the people. This will disrupt and harm a nation.”
Analysts say the comments were an effort by Prabowo to lock in public support when he takes on the presidency.
“The size of the protests last week was quite shocking for political elites, both on the streets and on social media,” said political analyst Yoes Kenawas from Jakarta’s Atma Jaya Catholic University.
“Prabowo realised this. He did not reject the protesters’ demands because he does not want to start his presidency with strong resistance against him,” Yoes added.
